Ergonomics Blog

A study in the latest edition of Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society shows evidence that all those nifty new car features that incorporate MP3s and are supposed to make it easier and reduce driver distractions may have the opposite effect.  Especially with long playlists.  I've seen this in a number of areas.  It seems as if the technology was designed by an engineer and not a user.  There is a specific way that information mmust be accessed and it is not always intuitive.

I was in a car with Bluetooth, voice controlled calling capability and it took the driver 6 voice commands to actually make a phone call, pausing in between them all.  The issue with most of this stuff is not the physical use of the phone or radio or whatever, but the mental load that causes the distraction.  Having to work through an information management system in a non-intuitive way to do anything is more of a problem than a benefit.

For motrocysle enthusiasts, Corbin has released a new Dual Sport Saddle for the Ducati Diavel that looks to greatly improve the comfort and function of the seat for both the driver and a passenger.  Anybody have one I can do a professional review on.  I won't enjoy it, I swear.

If you're looking for the cutting edge in ergonomics computing peripherals then check out PC Mag's coverage of the ION Wireless Air Mouse.  It straps a gyroscope to a glove and gives you gesture based mousing.

I came across a report at di-ve about the new Opel Meriva, a German made car whose doors hinge at the ends of the car.  It is supposed to improve the ergonomics and the access.  What's your take on it.

Prescott News has a nice article about the Importance of Space Planning and illustrates how ergonomics and interior design work together.

There are many benefits to using a standing desk.  Among other things you'll probably live longer so it may be worth the effort to get one.

Have you ever wondered how you ended up chained sitting at your desk all day long.  Well I can't give you the answer for why you made the life choices that brought you here.  But I can tell you a bit about the history of technology that makes us sit at a desk all the time.

Seasonal affective order is tricky to diagnose.  The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are similar to a number of other conditions.  But those symptoms only occur with a change in seasons and disappear as the season changes back.

With spring coming round there's a brightness in the air.  If you find that the brightness in the air helps you shake off a bout of depression, anxiety or listlessness then you might have Seasonal Affective Disorder.

It's that time of year where the weeds start growing before the grass does.  I think it makes it that much easier to spot the weed and get rid of it before it starts hiding in my grass.  To help with the task check out the Radius Pro Weeder, a tool that combines a needle and a shovel for pin point digging up of weeds.  I also really like the Radius Garden Weeder, a hand tool that lets you dig up weeds, pry them out of dirt, or cut them up if needed.