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Understanding Ergonomics > A Matter of Design

Words by Mary Rosenthol

April 2008

How many hours does the average user spend in front of a computer? Most people respond way too much when asked that question. While using technology is wonderful, it can cause some health problems. To deal with the long-term complications of computer use, companies have developed ergonomically designed workstations.

According to Wikipedia, ergonomics is the application of scientific information concerning humans to the design of objects, systems and environments for human use. In the world of high technology, ergonomics is a constant factor.

Ergospace ergospace.com focuses on the design of mouse-related products. The LaunchPad Professional aligns the mouse and user on any surface so that the arm is not strained while the product is in place.

"I fell in to ergonomic design in response to a computer-related injury that I suffered but which was not adequately addressed by the available technology. Having a background in medicine and invention, I was determined to come up with solution for myself -- and I did. Realizing that thousands if not millions of computer users have a similar problem, I followed up with university-based research, observations of computer users in a variety of businesses using a variety of applications," said Ergospace's Greg Rice.

"I learned that it is the mouse or trackball are the most common causes of computer use related discomfort and injury. My research into the causes of injury and the observation of many computer users led to the development of two products, the LaunchPad Professional and the PalmGlider Professional. These two products address a broad range of computer user's needs - needs that some of them don't realize they have until they experience the products' extraordinary comfort and functional benefits. I cannot emphasize enough that these are unlike anything that your readers have ever experienced.Ó

"Why do we specifically work with two products? The LaunchPad Professional has a rigid mouse base that can be used most anywhere - on a of a messy desktop, on a keyboard tray, on a couch, in bed, etc.- and it works and moves as a unit with the data input device. The LaunchPad is used for data input to graphic design especially where space is limited as is more the norm,Ó said Rice.

The PalmGlider Professional is for those who want to work on a much larger surface space. It allows easy mobility while maximizing user protection with a wrist pad to protect the arm during repetitive motion.

"For graphic designers, desktop publishers, photo editors, and CAD users that use substantial desk space for their mouse, the PalmGlider is preferable - as it flexibly tethers to the mouse to work as a unit smoothly gliding over the desktop while enabling fine motor control with the fingers."

While Ergospace focuses on the mouse, Humanscale innovators work on an entire line of furniture, desks and tools for the high-tech world.

"Technology can make simple things complicated or complicated things simple. We believe in the latter approach and strive to design products that combine uncompromising function and honest aesthetics with ultimate ease-of-use," is the philosophy of Humanscale. Reaching from the high-tech field into the medical arena is the next goal of Humanscale, with products like the T5 Point-of-Care Technology Cart, specially designed to hold medical equipment and meet healthcare workers' needs.

For a fully rounded list of ergonomically sound products, take a look at Herman Miller hermanmiller.com. Founded in 1936, the company works to ensure ergonomic comfort and safety in all areas of life. Miller products range from standing lamps for the home to furniture for the federal government.

The above companies are just sampling of some of the manufacturers offering solutions to the discomfort suffered by millions of people. For more information, take a look at any of the listed Web sites.