Ergonomic/human factors in the design process. Methodological tool for characterization of the user

Abstract

This paper presents a classroom teaching experience from Ergonomics and Design 2 at Industrial Design Faculty in the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) involving the development and application of an instrument. This exercise allows the students to explain the key component of the ergonomic system to the user(s), increase the designer’s knowledge of the user(s) and identify human factors and needs that can be met by the product’s functions. The user characterization workshop constitutes a tool for the implementation of ergonomic criteria in the design process.