1.1c Physiological factors Notes

Physiological Factors in Design

1. Designers consider physiological factors to ensure products meet ergonomic needs
2. They do this by focusing on user safety, health, comfort, and performance.

Physiological factors refer to the physical characteristics and capabilities of the human body that influence how we interact with products.

Key Physiological Factors

Designers use a range of physiological data to inform their decisions. Some key factors include:

1. Muscle Strength
   1. E.g.: The handles of a suitcase should be designed to require minimal grip strength, ensuring that users can comfortably carry them without excessive strain.
2. Endurance
   1. E.g.: Office chairs should be ergonomically designed to provide lumbar support, allowing users to sit comfortably for extended periods without experiencing back pain.
3. Visual Acuity
   1. E.g.: Road signs should have high-contrast colors and large, clear fonts to ensure drivers can read them quickly, even from a distance or in low-light conditions.
4. Tolerance to Hot or Cold Temperatures
   1. E.g.: Coffee cups should have insulated sleeves to prevent users from burning their hands while holding a hot beverage.
5. Hearing Range
   1. E.g.: Alarm clocks should produce sound frequencies that fall within the human hearing range, ensuring that users can wake up even if they have minor hearing impairments.
6. Hand-Eye Coordination
   1. E.g.: Video game controllers should have well-spaced buttons and responsive joysticks to accommodate quick and accurate hand-eye movements, enhancing the gaming experience.

Comfort and Fatigue

Comfort

1. Comfort is being free of physical pain
2. Designers care about this because it influences how users interact with products.

Fatigue

1. Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness or weakness that develops over time.