Ergonomics is about making things more efficient. By increasing the efficiency of a tool or a task, you tend to shorten the length of time it takes to accomplish your goal.
So how can we capture the time saving benefits of ergonomics? We can conserve our valuable time with the application of good ergonomic practices in three main areas:
Slim Down the Task
Have you ever wondered why some things are so convoluted, cumbersome and chaotic? They take forever to complete. And most of what you do does not aid the outcome.
For example, think back to the last time you got hired for a job, bought a house or car, or did something else that required a ton of paperwork. How many different forms did you write the same information on? That was not very ergonomic.
You can almost always make a task a little leaner. But first you have to understand the task. For that we use a task analysis.
Pick any mundane task you typically do at least once a week. Write out a task analysis for it. Don’t worry about wasting your time doing this. You will make it up with the time savings you create.
Once you have all the steps written out, you need to take a good look at them and identify areas that you can "ergonomize":
- Repetition – Look for steps that are repeated and see if they are all necessary.
- Order – See if you can re-order the steps to optimize your effort.
- Synergy – Can you combine things or somehow get more bang for your buck?
- Value Added – Look at every step and make sure it adds value to the outcome. If it doesn’t, cut it.
- Necessity – Make sure the quantity of the step is needed. Do you really need to brush your teeth with 57 strokes, or will 32 do?
Simplify the Task
You can also save time by simplifying the task. This is less about reducing the number of steps, but making those steps easier to perform. The less training and/or skill that required for a task, the quicker the pace at which it tends to get finished.
This is a great ergonomic tip, especially when the task requires more than one person. If you are trying to get your kids to pick up their toys before they go to bed, you can save a lot of time by making it easier. That is what the toy chest is for. Instead of having different places for different things, they can just throw everything in one place.
Use Good Ergonomic Tools
Ergonomic tools are another great way to save time. They do this in three ways, two of which have already been discussed:
First they can slim down the task. Take a look at Cascades 2-in-1 Action Pacs for automatic dishwashers. Using these packets of soap reduces the number of steps required in the task and therefore the time required by over 80%. Over the course of your life, that will amount to more than four months saved.
Second, ergonomic tools simplify the task. Look at a great ergonomic tool like the FlipFOLD, a laundry folding aid. This device makes folding shirts and pants incredibly easy and enhances the outcome at the same time. (This device was actually invented by a mother who was trying to get her kids to fold their laundry in a reasonable amount of time.) Ergonomics to the rescue.
Third, ergonomic tools can increase your body mechanics. A good tool acts as extension of your body enhancing its capabilities. Some tools make you more effective and faster at completing a task. (Try cutting a log without an axe and see how long it takes you.)
The Radius Garden Weeder is another great ergonomic tool. The way it lets you pop and cut out weeds makes the job of weeding a lot more efficient and gives you more time to sit by the pool sipping a mint julep -- at least in ergonomic theory.
