MYP Design Year 1 · Unit 2 · Lesson 14
Redesign an Everyday Object for a User
L14 · 01

Ergonomics

Products should fit the people who use them — not force every user to fit the product.

Student Materials
Ergonomics lens
G
GRIPCan the user hold, control, or release the product comfortably?
R
REACHCan the user access what matters without awkward movement?
F
FITDo size, spacing, and contact areas suit the intended user?
Use ← → / Space to navigate.Lesson 14 · Ergonomics
Learning Focus
Human-centered measurement
L14 · 02

By the end of today, students can…

01

Explain

ergonomics as designing for human use, comfort, access, and fit.

02

Measure

simple dimensions relevant to a user or product.

03

Use evidence

to identify an ergonomic consideration for a redesign.

Related concept: ErgonomicsPrimary research
Mini-Lesson
Ergonomics is not “make it comfy”
L14 · 03

Ergonomics asks how people and products interact.

Size

Does the product fit the intended user?

Reach

Can important parts be accessed?

Force

How hard must the user squeeze, pull, or push?

Contact

Where does the product press or touch the user?

Keep examples physical and observable.User-product fit
Measurement Habits
Data before assumption
L14 · 04

Guess

“This opening looks big enough.”

Measure

“The item is 62 mm wide. The opening needs enough clearance for the user to insert and remove it.”

RULE

Only collect measurements that could affect the design.

Use mm/cm consistently as appropriate.Relevant data
Workshop
Ergonomics Investigation Stations
L14 · 05
Workshop

Investigate grip, reach, fit, and comfort.

STATION 01

Grip

Compare narrow and wider contact surfaces.

STATION 02

Reach

Compare easy and awkward access positions.

STATION 03

Fit

Measure hands, objects, or openings relevant to use.

STATION 04

Comfort

Notice edges, pressure points, texture, and control.

Use safe teacher-prepared objects and measuring tools.Main workshop
Project Connection
What ergonomic evidence matters?
L14 · 06

Choose one or two ergonomic considerations for your redesign.

EvidenceWhat did you measure or observe about the intended user/product?
Design implicationWhat should a future idea consider because of this evidence?
Do not invent universal “average user” numbers.Use your intended-user evidence
Exit Reflection
Ergonomics changes decisions
L14 · 07

Finish one sentence.

“One ergonomic factor my redesign should consider is _______ because the evidence shows _______.”

Next lesson

Students formally analyse one existing product relevant to their redesign challenge.

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