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Ergonomics and Design

Code 16455
Year 3
Semester S1
ECTS Credits 4
Workload TP(45H)
Scientific area Science and Technology
Entry requirements N.A.
Learning outcomes 1. Understand the contribution of Ergonomics in the design and product development process;
2. Understand the concepts and principles of Physical Ergonomics, specifically the biomechanical and anthropometric aspects applied to product design;
3. Be able to select appropriate ergonomic analysis and intervention methodologies for the project's type, and apply them at different stages of product development;
4. Understand the importance of designing products that support the users' mental capabilities;
5. Be able to identify essential requirements to improve user experience, specifically usability, comfort, and safety requirements.
Syllabus 1. Introduction to Ergonomics.
2. Physical Ergonomics: Biomechanics and Anthropometry.
3. Ergonomic Intervention. Ergonomics applied to workplace design.
4. Cognitive Ergonomics.
5. Interface. Human-Machine Interface.
6. Interface Evaluation Project. Usability, Accessibility, Emotion/Affectivity.
Main Bibliography Bridger, R.S. (2003) Introduction to Ergonomics. New York: Taylor and Francis, Inc.
Completo, A., Fonseca. F. (2011) Fundamentos de Biomecânica Músculo, Esquelética e Ortopédica. Publindústria.
Crandall, B., Klein, G., Hoffman, R. (2006) Working Minds: A Practicioner´s Guide to cognitive Task Analysis. Cambridge: The MIT Press.
Lowdermilk, T. (2013) User-Centred Design: A Developer’s Guide To Building User Friendly Applications. O’Reilly Media Inc.
Norman, D. (2013) The Design of Everyday Things Revised and Expanded Edition. New York: Basic Books.
Pheasant, S., Haslegrave, C.M. (2006) Bodyspace: Anthropometry, Ergonomics and the Design of Human Work, Third Edition. London: Taylor& Francis.
Rubin, J., Chisnell, D. (2008) Handbook of Usability Testing, Second Edition: How to Plan, Design, and Conduct Effective Tests, Second Edition. Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing, Inc.
Salvendy, G. (2012) Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 4th Edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria This course unit runs for one academic semester, comprising 45 contact hours with the instructor and 67 hours of independent work (total: 112 hours). Classes will have two components: Expository (where the instructor presents the material and points for analysis) and Practical (where the instructor leads a hands-on exercise). Classes will follow a PBS—“Problem Based Solving”—learning approach.
This lesson plan with continuous assessment encourages students’ consistent engagement throughout the course. Assessment consists of one written exam (50%), one practical assignment (40%), and individual practical exercises carried out in class (10%).
Students must obtain a minimum final grade of 9.5 to pass the course. Students with a grade below 6 in any assessment component will not be admitted to the exams.
Improving the final grade is only possible by taking a final exam.
Language Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
Last updated on: 2025-09-09

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