Ergonomics, the home office

There are many words we can use to describe our homes; however, I believe that a house is not really a home if it's not comfortable. How do we ensure that a home is designed to be as comfortable as possible? The simple answer is understanding ergonomics.

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, ergonomics is the applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely (Merriam-Webster). In other words, it's how our bodies move corresponding to the space around us. Are the things we use on the daily like seating and counters, designed to fit our bodies? Are there certain spaces we avoid simply because they are ergonomically uncomfortable? How do we adjust to the space around us to ensure long lasting physical health? These are the questions that designers must consider when creating comfortable spaces for their clients.

Measuring the body
The first step in properly analyzing a person's ergonomics is through measurement. For residential level designers, it can be beneficial to get exact measurements of a client and design specifically for their body type. These measurements include arm reach/span, leg length, and head height.  However, this is not always data that we have access to. Thankfully, despite the variation, the general pattern of distribution of anthropometric data is fairly predictable and approximates the so-called Gaussian distribution (Panero 1979). In other words, humans tend to be quite proportional to one another, making it easier for designers to make comfortable spaces for their clients.

(Panero 1979)


The space around us
Not only is it important to have individual items that correspond with our body's measurements like chairs and tables, but it is also important to understand how those chairs and tables are spaced apart from each other. Humans tend to enjoy their personal space and keeping to themselves in public spaces. However, we also enjoy having things within arm's reach and easily assessable. It is important to know when to create large gaps of space and when not to. This not only has slight effects on our physical health, but also our mental states. I enjoy having my coffee table close to my couch in my living room so that I have easy access to the tv remote. I also enjoy it when tables in restaurants are spaced far from each other so that I am not too close to others seated near me.

Ergonomics is not only the way our bodies fit into a certain space, but also how that space fits into the spaces around it. I would like to sit comfortably at my desk with my arms casually resting on the keyboard and my feet hitting the floor, but I would also like the desk itself to be away from the public areas of my home so that I can work productively.

Public Space Sketch by Warner

How can we improve our ergonomics?
As clients and users of space, it is important that we also make a conscious effort to improve the way we move in a space. We could be using comfortable chairs, but if we are sitting in them incorrectly, are they still comfortable? Another important aspect of improving our physical health through ergonomics is constantly moving. It is important to switch positions frequently and go front sitting to standing when we believe our legs needs a break. Listening to our bodies is the first step in healthy ergonomics and should be considered more when designing.

Incorrect Seating Photo by Warner


Citations

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). America’s most trusted dictionary. Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/ 

Panero, J., & Zelnik, M. (1979). Human dimension and interior space. Whitney Library of Design.

Comments

  1. Katie HabermasNovember 16, 2023 at 2:47 PM

    This was a great read Karis, loved the incorrect seating position photo you included. I admit most times when sitting in the studio for hours on end I forget to get up and move or my position slowly goes into slouching. Those things like you mentioned in your writing are two very important things to improve on. Great post!

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