Ergonomic design refers to the specific practice of developing objects and spaces to be ergonomically appropriate for the user. The human form and natural motions of the human body are primary drivers of ergonomic design. Typical goals of ergonomic design include comfort, reducing the number of steps needed for different tasks, creating intuitive interfaces, and other factors that make using products a more pleasant experience.
Ergonomic design involves thorough study and analysis. Designs typically must be ergonomically appropriate for a wide range of individuals, not just a particular individual. This requires significant thought and versatility in design. Ergonomic design is based on study, measurements, and anthropomorphic science; it should not be confused with ergonomic styling, which is the act of developing a product that merely has the appearance of being ergonomically designed.
See also: Ergonomics, Ergonomic Styling, Product Semantics
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