Ergonomics is about making things more efficient. To increase the efficiency of a tool or a task you have to make it intuitive to understand and therefore easier to use. Clear communication between the user and whatever is being used also increases your accuracy. And that will let you complete your task more efficiently as well.
When I say communication it is important to understand that I’m not talking about…well , talking. I’m talking about knowing how to use a product by understanding its form factor. When you go to pick up a hammer which end is the handle? The tool has good ergonomic communication if you know without having to see a picture, read instructions or have any other indications telling you what you should do.
You can learn good ergonomics through bad design. In a lot of cases a design is bad because the intuitive, expected use of an item is different than how it has been designed to operate. It just doesn't work the right way.
The more complicated the product the more work needs to be put into the design to ensure it communicates well. If you have ever had trouble programming your VCR then you have experienced poor ergonomic communication. And if you do not know what a VCR is be thankful that Tivo has a wonderfully ergonomic interface.
So how can we turn great ergonomic communication to our advantage?
- Expect Ease of Use – You should expect good ergonomics, especially if it costs more than 20 bucks. Don’t settle for something difficult to use. There is probably a competitor that has better usability.
- Play with a Demo Unit – Especially if it is a high priced item. Take it for a test drive and run it through its paces, without looking at the instructions or being guided buy a salesman. If there isn’t a demo unit out ask to see one. I hardly ever buy anything without opening it in the store first. Even if it just to see how the buttons click (tactile feedback is important to me).
- Know What to Look For – Look for icons, color coding, layout, or sizes and shapes that just make since to you.
- Remember that Ergonomics is Personal – Just because someone told you it works great or the packaging says it has an ergonomic handle does not mean it will work well for you. Know your own body, your own work practices and your own habits and see if things fit into what is “you”.
Sometimes things do require some training to become proficient with them. That doesn’t necessarily mean it has bad ergonomics. Some things just have to be complicated. The questions you need to ask yourself in these situations are:
- How much training do I need to know what I need to know?
- How much do I have to use it to maintain my proficiency with it?
- If I let it drop how hard will it be for me to pick it up again?
- Is the benefit worth all of that?
So make ergonomics a top priority when you are evaluating a product, service or even a system. And make sure those ergonomics communicate to you clearly and efficiently.
