Design aids for designers: an effective role for ergonomics

The paper describes, with examples taken from the mining industry, the role of ergonomics in providing design aids for designers. The examples cover: (a) The provision of ergonomics design guidelines for families of machines; (b) The use of subjective assessment by expert panels to evaluate alternative solutions to development proposals; (c) The development of a computer-based simulation which produces multiple activity charts for the evaluation of the performance potential of new coal face designs. It is suggested that ergonomics specifically directed to the provision of design aids for designers may be one of the most fruitful approaches available to ensure a wider implementation of ergonomics knowledge and practice.