Course detail
Applied Ergonomics
FSI-YAE Acad. year: 2025/2026 Winter semester
The course provides an overview of the systematic solution to the ergonomic problem and the methodology of application of ergonomic principles in a project. Attention is paid to the ability to adapt the design to the users and their work and non-work activities. Emphasis is placed on understanding the user's needs, respecting his dimensions, psychophysiological possibilities and limits. The course builds the ability to present the optimal ergonomic solution of industrial products with spetial regard to usability and safety.
Language of instruction
Czech
Number of ECTS credits
3
Supervisor
Department
Entry knowledge
Knowledge of ergonomics, industrial design, machine design, computer modelling and visualisation within the scope of the curriculum of the bachelor's study program focused on industrial design is assumed.
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
Graded course-unit credit requirements:
- attendance at exercises,
- active work on the diploma project (ergonomic study, ergonomic solution, final presentation),
- handing over assigned corrected projects, meeting assigned projects deadlines,
- the assignment of the project corresponds to the topic of the thesis, the deadlines for submission are specified at the beginning of the semester,
- the evaluation will be determined on the partial evaluation of the ergonomic study (max. 10), the final ergonomic solution (max. 60) and the presentation (max. 30).
At least half of the maximum number of points (5+30+15) must always be obtained in each part. Resulting classification will be defined by the ECTS scale.
Attendance at lectures is recommended, participation in exercises is compulsory. Education runs according to the week schedule. The way of compensation of missed classes specified by the tutor, in the event of a long-term absence by the course supervisor.
Aims
Students will be able to analyze an ergonomic system and use optimal methods of its solution, determine the physiological, psychological, safety and hygiene requirements of the product and present its optimal ergonomic solution while respecting limit parameters.
The student acquires:
- the knowledge of the ergonomic categorization process, the form and content of ergonomic study and the identification of ergonomic risks,
- the ability to take an inventive approach to an ergonomic problem and to identify user needs,
- the ability to determine the relations of human-machine-environment system and to identify problematic situations,
- the ability to implement ergonomic principles,
- the ability to develop visualisations of the working position, work level and visual field – 5P, 50P and 95P.
The study programmes with the given course
Programme N-PDS-P: Industrial Design, Master's, compulsory
Type of course unit
Lecture
6 hours, optionally
Syllabus
- Methodical procedure for design study with regard to ergonomic aspects. Ergonomic categorization.
-Anthropometric, movement, working, hygiene and safety aspects. Working positions, manual handling, load lifting. Ergonomics of hand.
- Risk analysis. Methods of ergonomic risk assessment. Conditions determining man-machine interaction. Ergonomic study, its form and content.
Studio work
33 hours, compulsory
Syllabus
- Schematic ergonomic model of the problem situation, functional interactions, real inputs and required outputs.
- The categorization ergoalgorithm, requirements for the system, specification of the man-machine- environment system.
- Physiological requirements, human dimensions and capabilities.
- Specific ergonomic limits and ergonomic risks.
- Safety, hygiene requirements and maintenance.
- Design of controls and displays.
- 50P positional analysis.
- 5P and 95P positional analysis.
- Definition of handling and pedipulation areas, visual fields.
- Description of the product- use, control, handling, maintenance.
- Final presentation.