The Good, the Bad, and the Future: On the Archaeology of Ergonomics

Abstract

Objective: This article places the 50th anniversary edition of the Human Factors journal in a historical context. Background: It is appropriate to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Human Factors and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, but in so doing, we celebrate only the recent history of ergonomics. Method: By digging into the history of ergonomics, we can better understand the evolution of method, practice, and concepts in the human factors discipline. Results: One develops a greater admiration for early practitioners of human factors and ergonomics, as well as the importance of history. Conclusion: Some satisfaction about the rise, evolution, and fall of ergonomic ideas is justified. “If I have seen further... ” Application: We can better define the starting point for the next 50 years.