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Lesson 1 of 8
  • Year 8

Ergonomics

I can define ergonomics and explain how they impact user experience.

Lesson 1 of 8
New
New
  • Year 8

Ergonomics

I can define ergonomics and explain how they impact user experience.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Ergonomics is the relationship between the product and the user.
  2. Ergonomic design enhances comfort and usability.
  3. Evaluating existing designs helps identify areas for improvement.

Keywords

  • Ergonomics - the interaction between people and the products they use

  • Comfort - how a product fits well with the user's body, reducing strain or discomfort

  • Existing products - products that have already been created and used

Common misconception

Ergonomics is just about the size of a product.

Ergonomics is the relationship between the user and the product, including its size, how well it fits and interacts with the body, and how easy and comfortable it is to use.


To help you plan your year 8 design and technology lesson on: Ergonomics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Teachers can use alternative products to the ones displayed in the slide deck. Having products in front of students to use when considering anthropometrics and ergonmics can support learning.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Examples of products.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
When designing products you should consider the end ...

Correct answer: user.
manufacturer.
designer.
researcher.

Q2.
What features of this office chair make it comfortable to use?

An image in a quiz
Correct answer: adjustable
colour
Correct answer: back support
Correct answer: caster (wheels)
cost

Q3.
When designing a game controller, what part of the body would it be useful to take measurements from?

Correct Answer: hands, the hands

Q4.
Which materials are usually used for creating quick and easy models of initial designs?

timber
Correct answer: foam
Correct answer: cardboard
metal

Q5.
What is the process of refining and improving a design called?

Correct Answer: iteration, development

Q6.
If a design is ergonomically successful, it should be comfortable and __________ to use.

Correct answer: easy
complex
time consuming

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Match the term to the definition.

Correct Answer:ergonomics,the interaction between people and the products they use

the interaction between people and the products they use

Correct Answer:comfort,how well a product fits with the user's body

how well a product fits with the user's body

Correct Answer:existing products,designs that have already been created and used

designs that have already been created and used

Q2.
What ergonomic features has the designer included on this TV remote?

An image in a quiz
Correct answer: use of colour
Correct answer: spacing and shape of buttons
voltage of batteries
cost

Q3.
What ergonomic features has the designer included on this hair dryer?

An image in a quiz
Correct answer: easy to reach buttons
Correct answer: one handed operation
mains power cable
black polymer casing
Correct answer: curved handle

Q4.
How can a designer learn from existing products?

by copying the design exactly without making any changes
Correct answer: by using feedback to fix problems and add new features
by ignoring feedback and creating something completely different