Five [五] Areas of Ergonomics in Design.

The topic “Basic of Design Criticism” requires five areas of ergonomics in a design or product, they are:

1. Safety

2. Comfort

3. Ease of use

4. Performance (productivity)

5. Aesthetics

These five areas of ergonomics would help define what is a good design and what is a failure. They are listed in this order because safety is always the most important point for a design to pass the quality certification and get into industrial production. Then, we start to measure a design from its comfort through how it looks.

A great example that reflects this theory is the iPod. By this year, Apple already has their iPod series into the 6^th generation, and the entire line is in its 10^thyear of production. The consumers have witnessed the changes and evolution of the iPod product for a decade, and who also has enough authority to experience iPod in the five areas of its design ergonomics. The result is, at some level, the huge demand of iPod on the market tells that iPod is a good design that meets the design ergonomics in the five areas.

First, the iPod media player is satisfied with the safety issue. It is built up with ordinary industrial standard materials like the other electronics. In addition, because iPod uses metal as the material for some parts, the design of its form is seemed very considered and proper, for instance, the design avoids the sharpness edges of the materials and with some parts of frosted surface as well; this also directly transfers into the second point: comfort. For a handy portable electronic device, iPod is well designed to handle, especially for different ages. Designers have also reduced the weight and size of the iPod through the generations in order to meet the comfort standard. For instance, the oldest version is about five times thicker then the latest one. Then, the “use” part, moreover, can be associated with its performance. The simple way to control and setting the iPod is an extraordinary experience compared to other similar products; Both the classical “Wheel-Control” circle on the older models and the modern touch screen gives users a convenient feeling, likewise its performing functions. The iPod today is not only a Walkman; Instead, it contains many functional abilities for entertainment. The designer creatively made the small piece of metal as a media player with Internet accessing, gaming, camera and other functions in a one, which is one of the biggest successes to make a design to attract customer’s desire. Finally, the discussion goes to the aesthetics of the design. Color seems to play a big role in this area because of many reasons. The most significant usage is how the color would give the costumers a variety of choices, which helps the product get a good number of the market share. As a result, the designer helps to run the economy by designing a popular product.

In conclusion, the ergonomics in a design is influential. Each of the points needs to be scrutinized carefully, then the all of the five areas can predict whether a design succeeds or fails in the consumer market. Designers should always remember the ergonomics of design as a criticism rule.