Design orientation and ergonomics

The current role of ergonomics in design is reviewed. The authors begin by reviewing the importance of the user interface and briefly consider the iterative design process that is frequently used in designing and developing interfaces. They then characterize design as a relationship between task, user, and artifact and discuss the role of ergonomics in design. The current contributions of ergonomics are contrasted with the needs of the designer, based on experiences in usability engineering. The various types of design relevant information are classified in terms of data, guidelines, process, and knowledge. A need for more design relevant information in terms of ergonomic knowledge for designers is identified. It is suggested that this knowledge will be the key to integrating ergonomics completely into design