Ergonomics Interior Design

• Interior design is part of environmental design.
• Interior design is related to architecture.
• Interior design involves the planning and design of man-made spaces.
• Ergonomic intuition is essential for the functional applications of home design.
• Ergonomically-minded design creates living spaces that promote easier and happier living, for convenience.

Universal Design Principles

• Equitable Use: The design is useful and marketable to individuals with different skills.
• Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide variety of individual preferences and abilities.
• Simple and Intuitive Use: The design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's background, expertise, language ability, or current level of focus.

Ethics of Ergonomics Interior Design

• Flexible Planning: A room's adaptability to adjust at a moment's notice.
• Comfort of Movement: Ease and comfort of movement should be emphasized in ergonomics design.
• Focus on Aesthetics: Physical and psychological comfort is important; a space should have effective and practical design, as well as good aesthetics.

Universal Design File

• Perceptible Information: The layout delivers important information regardless of environmental conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
• Tolerance for Error: The layout minimizes risks and detrimental effects of unintentional or unwanted acts.
• Low Physical Effort: The design supports effective and comfortable use with minimal fatigue.

Facilities and Workstation Design

• Workstation Design: Worker strain and pain can come from improper positioning of equipment and materials.
• Workstation Furnishings: Office furniture must be chosen carefully for staff versatility and adaptability.
• Lighting: Light sources should minimize glare and enhance contrast on working surfaces.

Accommodating Special Devices

• Keyboard and Mouse Trays: Flexible keyboard trays that slide in and out from under the desk or table can cause ergonomics issues.
• Chairs: Adjustability and ease of use are the most important things to look for in chairs.
• Footrests: Feet of shorter staff should not dangle.

5 Steps to Setting Up an Ergonomic Workstation

• Neutral Spine: Feet on floor or footrest; hips level with knees; back supported on chair; ear in line with shoulders.
• Elbow Height: Keyboard at or slightly below elbow height; mouse adjacent to keyboard; keyboard tray level or negative tilt.
• Desk Height: Desk height 1-2" above elbow height for desk work, or at elbow height for keyboard use; raise chair if needed.
• Monitor Height: Monitor aligned so first line of type is directly across or slightly below, eye height.
• Organize: Documents inline between monitor and keyboard; telephone and essentials within easy reach.

Preventive Strategy in Ergonomics

• Physiological Comfort: Spaces built for the body's physical comfort are the best.
• Functional Comfort: A space previously used as a shop can be retrofitted into a study area.
• Standing at your computer requires the same arrangement as sitting, only without the chair.
• A footrest or balance platform may be used for unloading and postural shift.

Accommodating Other Needs

• Special Devices: Aids to reduce head and neck movement during high-intensity phone demand with keyboard activity, such as a headset or speakerphone.
• Other Accommodations: An energy-absorbent floor surface to minimize worker exhaustion if employees must stand for long periods.