Ergononomi

Ergononomi, commonly referred to as ergonomics in many languages, is the interdisciplinary field that studies how people interact with their environments, tools, and tasks. Its central aim is to design workplaces, products, and systems that fit human abilities and limitations, thereby improving safety, comfort, and performance. The discipline integrates physical, cognitive, and organizational aspects, as well as environmental factors such as lighting, noise, and climate.

The term combines Greek ergon, meaning work, with nomos, meaning law or principle. The modern practice traces its roots to early ideas in the 19th and early 20th centuries and expanded significantly in the mid-20th century, driven by needs in industry, military, and human factors engineering. Pioneering work and subsequent research from psychology, engineering, design, and occupational health shaped methods and applications that are widely used today.

Practice in ergononomi includes a range of methods such as task analysis, anthropometric measurement and biomechanical assessment, cognitive modeling, usability testing, and risk assessment. It emphasizes participatory design and evidence-based decision making to ensure solutions align with real user needs and capabilities.

Applications span many domains, including manufacturing and office work, healthcare, transportation, consumer electronics, and software design. Common outcomes are reduced risk of injury, improved efficiency and accuracy, enhanced comfort, and better user satisfaction. Standards and guidelines, such as those related to human–computer interaction and workplace design, support systematic evaluation and continuous improvement in ergonomic practice.