You need to activate javascript for this site.
Menu Conteúdo Rodapé
  1. Home
  2. Courses
  3. Industrial Design
  4. Ergonomics and Design

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. Know the different models of product development, especially user-centered design, and how ergonomic principles and tools are applied at each stage;
3. Understand the concepts and principles of Physical Ergonomics, specifically the biomechanical and anthropometric aspects applied to product design;
4. Be able to select appropriate ergonomic analysis and intervention methodologies for the project's type, and apply them at different stages of product development;
5. Understand the importance of designing products that support the users' mental capabilities;
6. Be able to identify essential requirements to improve user experience, specifically usability, comfort, and safety requirements.
Syllabus 1. Introduction to Ergonomics.
2. Product Development Models. User-Centered Design.
3. Physical Ergonomics: Biomechanics and Anthropometry.
4. Ergonomic Intervention. Ergonomics applied to workplace design.
5. Cognitive Ergonomics.
6. Interface. Human-Machine Interface.
7. 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 lasts for one academic semester, involving 45 hours of contact with the instructor and 67 hours of independent work (total: 112 hours). The classes will have two components: Expository (where the instructor will present the material and key points for analysis) and Practical (where the instructor will promote a practical exercise). The classes will follow a PBS "Problem-Based Solving" learning approach.

This continuous assessment plan encourages constant student engagement throughout the course. The evaluation consists of two written exams (80%) and individual practical exercises developed during classes (20%).

Students must achieve a minimum final grade of 9.5 to pass the course. Students who score less than 6 are not eligible for the final exam. Grade improvement is only possible through a final exam.
Language Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
Last updated on: 2024-10-01

The cookies used in this website do not collect personal information that helps to identify you. By continuing you agree to the cookie policy.