Greek etymology has described ergonomics has a word that stresses the importance of design with the human body in mind. For example, Psychologist A. Maslow created a pyramid of human needs, which includes physiological, safety, love, self-esteem, and self-actualization. At the top of this pyramid is a group of transcendent needs: universal peace, universal wisdom, personal peace, and personal wisdom. These are the needs we dream about and strive for, but are still just as important to pursue. However, our needs do not end there. Our needs stretch beyond into the products that help manage our demanding lives.
http://vbonnaire.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/maslow.jpg
It is hard to imagine that as humans we require so much, but if we are to be held to such extraordinary expectations we must demand needs that either we must provide for ourselves, or someone else must provide for us. This does not exactly mean that it must be a person who fulfills our needs of purpose, uniqueness, effectiveness, energy, or belongingness directly. It can be a designer who creates a product that is used by its consumer as desired. We are not only humans with needs; we are consumers who demand products to fulfill our needs. We may even tap into our transcendent needs and dream about a product to make life easier until someone is brilliant enough to solve the problem for us. For example, a problem as simple as turning your car on with the push of a button, because turning the key was too time consuming in the first place. God forbid the effectiveness of the car is impaired because I find turning a key too time consuming. In reality, this is the world we live in today, so we must have just has many expectations from our technology and products.
However, just as the consumer has needs, so does the designer. To be fully effective and ultimately accepted a designer one must have functionality, reliability, usability, proficiency, and creativity. Once a designer has followed such criteria from our demanding world, he/she must still try to make the design unique, and of something that reflects their vision and style. Sometimes when designers pay too much attention to how a design looks, the consumers needs our disregarded. Which brings me to the basis for design criticism. There are 5 areas of ergonomic research: safety, comfort, ease or use, performance, aesthetics. Ultimately, when these 5 areas are satisfied, a design is created that makes our life easier. For example, as an athlete, the demands for performing well are very high, so whenever there is something that can give me an edge on my opponent, or a chance to stay healthy and fit I have to try it. Orthotics are crucial for athletes, especially those who suffer from chronic foot pain. I do not think that many designers understand the importance of how orthotics are designed, and instead look to mass produce them for a fast and easy solution for swollen sore feet. Therefore, I find it very annoying when orthotics in your local Rite Aid do not do their job. They might do their job, but I have to buy a new pair every month. This led me to pursuing a perfectly designed pair of Orthotics from my local Podiatrist. It had everything I needed, safety, comfort, ease of use, performance, and aesthetics. Even though I decided to leave it to a professional, the price was very alarming, a price completely over my budget.
http://www.hemmettchiropractic.com/images/Orthotic.jpg
On the other hand, I could not help but find that the price was well worth it because it satisfied each of the 5 areas of ergonomic research: safety, comfort, ease or use, performance, aesthetics. The safety part was satisfied through the strong support that was molded to my foot. Following that was the comfort, which allowed me to perform to my best without pain. They were easy to use and very simple. Unlike orthotics you buy at the store, I didn’t have to cut the orthotic to fit my foot. Continuing on with my appreciation for the product, the performance, and productivity of the product was excellent because they have lasted me 3 years, and I wear them everyday. Aesthetics may play a small role, however I cannot complain, because the simple design is basic and recognizable for my lifestyle. With all that said, I have come to a conclusion from my experience.
After shelling out $500 for these orthotics, it seems as though the products or designs that satisfy all my needs seem to be more expensive, and the ones that pretend to be, lack something I wish it had. If only I could have my cake and eat it too. Or maybe designers could find a way to make my life easier, while staying within my budget. You could say that on my journey towards finding products that satisfy all 5 areas of ergonomic research, I found more transcendent needs to dream and ponder about. Maslow may have me wishing and hoping for even more, but he has taught me not to settle for anything less than the best, especially when it comes to staying healthy and happy.
*To find out more about Orthotics and their contribution to keeping athletes healthy check out this website--> http://www.guilfordortho.com/orthotics_athletic_performance.htm
