1. Introduction to Product Design & Ergonomics

Key Concepts

• Human-Centered Design (HCD): A problem-solving approach that places the user's needs, limitations, and preferences at the core of the design process.

• Design Cycle: The iterative stages of research, ideation, prototyping, and testing that transform concepts into tangible products.

• [Image of the iterative design process cycle]

• Ergonomics: The study of human interaction with products, focusing on body posture, reach, strength, and comfort to reduce fatigue and injury.

• Anthropometry: Measurement of human physical characteristics (e.g., hand size, sitting height) to ensure products accommodate a broad user population.

• Usability & Aesthetics: Evaluating how intuitive, accessible, and visually appealing a product is to end users.

• Safety Considerations: Understanding risk mitigation through design—like rounded edges, clear labels, or intuitive interfaces.

• 🪑 Real-Life Application Example

• Consider a school chair design. A poor design might cause back pain due to an incorrect seat angle or insufficient lumbar support. By applying ergonomic data and testing with diverse body types, designers produce a chair that supports proper posture, adjusts to student height, and prevents long-term discomfort.