KAN Report 42

	Ergonomics teaching modules for designer training, 07/2008, T. Merkel (9 MB)
Bookmarks in the pdf file link directly to the individual chapters. In the list of bookmarks, all sections available in English and French are highlighted in colour.

Summary

Ergonomics standards can help designers improve the safety and health aspects of products. To increase the extent to which they are applied in the design process, engineers’ and designers’ training needs to incorporate more transfer of knowledge regarding the existence and content of such standards.

The project began by asking design lecturers how much ergonomics content was included in their teaching and what requirements they had with regard to the subject. This survey produced the following feedback:

1.Ergonomics is important but it is hardly dealt with at the moment since there is already little time for design lectures as it is.

2. The introduction of modularised Bachelor programmes means that lecturers can decide for themselves which interdisciplinary subjects (such as ergonomics) they wish to integrate.

3. There is substantial interest in having teaching documents written by external experts, e.g. in the form of tailored lecture notes for five to 30 minutes’ worth of teaching. It is also felt that self-study modules with additional exercises would be useful.

The specialist ergonomics knowledge was presented in line with the specific educational purposes, in five modules (available only in German). Examples of good practice have also been included. In total, the modules cover five 1.5-hour lessons. The lecture modules are in the form of PowerPoint presentations.

The modules are backed up by a collection of examples (in video, photo and text form) that give a very clear idea of the before and after situations. All of the modules contain lists of standards related to the subject covered. Examination questions and exercises, including answers, are also provided.