ERGONOMICS - Ergonomics derives from two Greek words: ergon, meaning work, and nomoi, meaning natural laws. Combined they create a word that means the science of work and a persons relationship to that work. Ergonomics is sometimes defined as the science of fitting the work to the user instead of forcing the user to fit the work. However this is more a primary ergonomic principle rather than a definition.

...................................................................................................................................

Ergonomics

by Chris Adams 

Definition: Ergonomics is the science of work.

Ergonomics derives from two Greek words: ergon, meaning work, and nomoi, meaning natural laws. 

Combined they create a word that means the science of work and a persons relationship to that work.

In application ergonomics is a discipline focused on making products and tasks comfortable and efficient for the user.

Ergonomics is sometimes defined as the science of fitting the work to the user instead of forcing the user to fit the work. 

However this is more a primary ergonomic principle rather than a definition.

Also Known As: Human Factors, Human Engineering, Human Factors Engineering

Examples: Using proper posture and body mechanics, good placement of computer equipment, comfortable handles and grips as well as efficient layout of kitchen appliances are all aspects of ergonomics.

Chris Adams

Human factors engineer and industrial designer

Human systems integration lead at Strata-G Solutions, Inc.

Experience

Chris Adams is a former writer for ThoughtCo who wrote about ergonomics for more than nine years. Ergonomics is the study of how humans effectively interact with their work environment. Chris has more than 11 years of experience working in the field of human factors and ergonomics. He was a human factors and systems engineer with Jacobs Engineering working on NASA's the Ares I and V rocket systems. Chris later became the lead of human-system integration for Strata-G Solutions, Inc. 

Chris specializes in furniture design and corporate identity and works as an independent consultant on various design projects. His work for ThoughtCo appears on many websites, newsletters, and books which focus on engineering spaces for human use.

Education

Chris Adams earned a Bachelor of Industrial Design (B.I.D.) in Industrial and Product Design from Auburn University in 1999.

ThoughtCo and Dotdash

ThoughtCo is a premier reference site focusing on expert-created education content. We are one of the top-10 information sites in the world as rated by comScore, a leading Internet measurement company. Every month, more than 13 million readers seek answers to their questions on ThoughtCo.

For more than 20 years, Dotdash brands have been helping people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired. We are one of the top-20 largest content publishers on the Internet according to comScore, and reach more than 30% of the U.S. population monthly. Our brands collectively have won more than 20 industry awards in the last year alone, and recently Dotdash was named Publisher of the Year by Digiday, a leading industry publication.

https://www.thoughtco.com/ergonomics-meaning-1206557