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Designing for sustainability: ergonomics--carpe diem
1Centre for Ergonomics, Occupational Safety and Health, School of Management, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. kimvan@xtra.co.nz
Ergonomics
|August 30, 2012
Summary
Ergonomics
Area of Science:
- Human factors and sustainability studies.
Background:
- Sustainability is a global concern.
- The role of ergonomics in sustainable design is under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the literature on ergonomics, design, and sustainability.
- To assess the contribution of ergonomics to sustainable design.
Main Methods:
- Literature search across multiple databases (1995-2012).
- Content analysis of abstracts from 1934 articles.
- Focused analysis on 14 articles meeting specific criteria.
Main Results:
- Only 14 articles (out of 1934) directly addressed ergonomics and sustainability.
- Seven of these articles were from ergonomics journals, seven from other fields.
- Ergonomists' direct contribution to sustainability research is limited.
Conclusions:
- Ergonomics' contribution to sustainability and sustainable design is currently limited.
- Despite congruence, ergonomists are not leading sustainability research.
- There is a call for increased ergonomist involvement in sustainability ('carpe diem').
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