Ergonomics as Mediator within the Product Design Process

Abstract

As a consequence of an increasing complexity of products using procedures a human-centered-design process is more and more important. This thesis can be based on the success of user friendly products on market but also by looking at new regulations concerning human-centered design (e.g. pr EN-ISO 13407). Within an user-centered design process there is a need for a continuos balancing between interests of users and producers. This mediating role can be fulfilled by persons with an ergonomic background. The potentiality of ergonomic for the initialization, accompaniment and evaluation of an user-centered design process was demonstrated within the product development of a new electronic pipette.