Ergonomic hand tool and desk and chair development process

Abstract

This paper suggests a practical and simple process consisting of 8 stages: needs assessment, ergonomics guidelines, anthropometry, brainstorming and idea sketch, preliminary model, drafting and rendering, working prototype, and user trials. The feasibility of this process was verified with the development of a modified clamping hand tool and a new student desk and chair. The case studies showed how design difficulties were overcome by integrating ergonomics guidelines in the process.