Innovations: * Ergonomics for Interaction Designers ( Rob Tannen) * The convergence of digital user interfaces with physical products (e.g., touch screens, gestural interfaces) puts interaction designers in a position where knowledge of ergonomics is valuable, if not essential, for creating effective solutions. This lecture is an introduction to anthropometric design and research methods, including: explanations of fundamental ergonomic design principles and myths, case studies at the intersection of product and user interface design, and actionable takeaways to apply immediately. The content is geared specifically to interaction designers, relating understood digital design principles and terminology to parallels in physical design.

What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is defined as "The applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort."
So what does that mean to the average office worker? Basically, it means the use products and techniques to make our office environments more comfortable and protect us from repetitive movement injuries associated with modern desk work.
Scientists called "Ergonomists" make it their life to develop comfortable, safe objects for us to use at work and at home. Ergonomics, as a formal discipline and recognized science is relatively new but its roots are deeply rooted in ancient times.

The official fact about backaches
"Backaches caused by rides on public transportation and long hours before computers coupled with smoking and drinking are the main reason for absences from work among urban Indian youth, a study has said.
Backaches are the chief reason for the absence of workers that accounts for losses of several million man-hours, the study commissioned by the makers of Iodex, a pain relieving balm, and the NGO Health India.
The report says backache, once thought to affect people at the age of 40 years, is now increasingly being reported among the youth.
"Public transport is the predominant cause for backache among working individuals in major metros along with sitting for long hours in front of the computer," said Dev Mehra, Executive Director of Health India, which surveyed work places in Mumbai and Delhi, covering over 100 people.
He said sudden jerks or movements during travel can result in back pain.
"The problem was considered to affect people after the age of 40, but now increasingly young people are complaining of back problems. Poor ergonomics at the workplace is one of the causes of the problem," he said."

7 Important Factors in Choosing a Good Work Environment 1. Lighting

Having a good light source is important for using your important, and natural light is quite refreshing, But If you have a dim monitor or if it’s too bright to see your computer screen easily there is a problem. Try to find a balance between the two, or a dimmer would be Ideal. Even a small table lamp you can turn on to read a paper document better would be useful. Having light helps you feel less stressed and allows you to concentrate on what you are doing without any strain or discomfort. 2. Comfortable seating
Getting an ergonomic chair for your desk may be expensive and it certainly isn’t necessary. Find a chair that is comfortable to sit on but keeps your back straight and gives you good back support. Dining room chairs usually have nice back support but lack in the comfort, where a fluffy living room chair gives you all the comfort you need and leaves you leaning forward, or spending to much time relaxing. Try to find a balance in between the two. Most office chairs work fine. 3. Organization / Clean environment
Trying to find something is never productive. Having to search through stuff is a hassle and takes up valuable time, along with making you feel overwhelmed. Just get some baskets, a filing cabinet system or drawers. Clean is equally important. When you are in a neat and tidy working environment without grime or dirt it’s much easier to focus. Try a shower or even just putting on a clean shirt may make you feel refreshed and ready to work.

5. Plants / Trinkets
Having a few photos, artwork, ceramic pigs, or whatever trinket you may like may not be directly productive. If they help create a positive work environment It’s worth it anyways. Bringing a little more uniqueness to the area may help you feel more comfortable working there. Plants are also helpful, You can pick one you like and nurture it, while it gives you a steady stream of oxygen. Useful in a stuffy room, It just helps you stay focused. 6. Consider emotional-ties to a work area
It’s interesting how being certain places can strike up certain feelings. For example, re-visiting where you played as a kid may make you happier. Try to do the same for your study space. Avoid places where you have been un-productive before. For example your bed room is likely a bad place to work as your subconscious mind associates being there with relaxing. If you have a bad memory that happened somewhere in your house you may not want to study there as it may bring up those feelings again, or just depress you in general. The best place to work is someplace new so you can make your own productive mindset around that area.

7. Temperature
When you are feeling warm a nice cool breeze can keep you refreshed and when you are cold heat will give you a fuzzy feeling inside. Make sure you are at a comfortable temperature but avoid becoming too comfortable or you may switch into relax mode. and begin thinking about something else. A refreshing breeze can be useful when you are having trouble focusing.