Prospective Ergonomics in the Anthropocene era: reconsidering human needs

Area of Science:

• Ergonomics
• Environmental Science
• Human Ecology

Background:

• The Anthropocene presents significant challenges to Earth systems.
• Overconsumption, driven by artificial needs, exacerbates environmental degradation.
• Ergonomics must adapt to address sustainability and human well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of Prospective Ergonomics in navigating Anthropocene challenges.
• To differentiate between fundamental and artificial human needs.
• To inform the design of sustainable satisfiers for human needs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of human needs theories across Psychology, Economics, and Sociology.
• Conceptual analysis of needs and satisfiers within a sustainability framework.
• Discussion of ethical implications for Prospective Ergonomics.

Main Results:

• Identified a critical distinction between fundamental needs essential for development and artificial needs fueling overconsumption.
• Highlighted the role of satisfiers in either promoting or undermining sustainability.
• Outlined ethical considerations for designing sustainable solutions.

Conclusions:

• Prospective Ergonomics has a crucial role in promoting sustainable development.
• Future ergonomic design should prioritize fundamental needs and sustainable satisfiers.
• A critical examination of human needs is essential for ecological and human well-being.