Steven T. Kaneko

Making Sure its Right: Three Phases of Ergonomics Research in the Design of a Pointing Device

This paper demonstrates three phases of ergonomic research in the design of a mouse and discusses the value of a concurrent, interactive approach to ergonomics, industrial design and product development. Ergonomics worked in conjunction with industrial design, engineering and marketing to ensure that optimal comfort for the user was a continual focus throughout the product development process. Research phases included 1) the development of ergonomic criteria and the inclusion of ergonomics in the product definition, 2) the ergonomic review and user testing analysis of the design prototype and 3) the verification of ergonomic aspects of the design. The need for different types of ergonomic information at different phases in the product development process, and the value of maintaining an end-user focus throughout the interaction of ergonomics, industrial design and the whole of the product development team are discussed.