The relationship between ergonomics, safety and aesthetics in the design of consumer products and systems

Abstract

The mutual influence of ergonomic, safety and aesthetic properties of products has so far not been analyzed in literature. In the area of consumer products, the researchers were focused only on the impact of aesthetics on the perception of the usability of products. In addition, previous studies had not taken into account the impact that aesthetics can have on the ergonomic properties of the products. So, the manner in which aesthetic properties of products affect the ability and the way of using products from the ergonomic aspect has previously not been considered. In addition, in the area of consumer products, it is very difficult to find a study that deals with the problem of the influence of aesthetic characteristics of the products on their safety during use. In the framework of this study, a connection has been established between the aesthetic, ergonomic and safety properties of product design solutions. The analysis is focused on the influence of the aesthetic properties of consumer products on the ergonomic and safety properties. Two case studies that were carried out in the framework of this research and other listed examples have shown that, in order to achieve a quality design solution of a consumer product or system, it is very important to take into account the aforementioned mutual influence when designing.