We can get to the advice now that you understand ergonomic product design! We know how to apply ergonomic product design and development since we have an extensive understanding of design methodologies. Here are suggestions that, in our opinion, might be pretty helpful for your commercial furniture designs:
Early in the design process, take into account ergonomics
Never start an ergonomic design project when the design process is already well along. You should prioritize ergonomics as a freelance product designer and consider it early on. It should ideally be considered within the early stages of development, such as the research and writing phases.
Why is this crucial? Think about it: What would happen if you created a brand-new kind of chair? It is finished. You’ve put days and weeks into studying the design and producing what you think is fantastic.
However, when it comes to testing, you discover that the chair is unpleasant and gives you back discomfort if you use it for extended periods. You have squandered time, money, and effort on a pointless endeavor; therefore, you must now start the design process from the beginning.
You could have made a design that was pleasant and didn’t have any adverse health effects if you had considered ergonomics earlier. E ergonomics must be regarded early in the design process to prevent future issues and provide a more useful final product.
Before you think about ergonomics, identify your target market
There is a target market for every product. For newborns and young children, there are nappies. Mobility scooters are designed for older adults and others with limited mobility. It is crucial to identify your target market. By placing them, you may modify your ergonomic design method to suit your target consumer.
You might only succeed if you ergonomically design your product for a broad audience. You could overlook crucial elements that would fundamentally change your design. Take the example of creating a pair of gardening clippers. Most of your clientele are senior citizens, often over 70. However, you must consider this and make stiff clippers ideal for a younger individual with stronger hands and grip.
How may this product be used by your consumer base, which is primarily older adults? They would want clippers with less tension that could be squeezed with less force if they suffered from ailments like arthritis or a weak grip.
User-centric design is the term for this method. You are ergonomically developing your product with the end user, or your target client, in mind. This is why it’s crucial to determine your target market before you begin the design process. Adjust your ergonomic design to fit your target audience for more effective outcomes.
Collect statistical information from customers about earlier iterations of the product
The design process can only be completed with customers. Utilizing consumer statistics and data will help you streamline the process while designing ergonomic products. Your client base may include a plethora of insightful data. These methods of data collection include:
- Product reviews
- Website questionnaires
- Email surveys
- Social media
You may enhance your ergonomics by gathering as much data as you can. Consider looking at the features of your product that clients find appealing. Additionally, you can learn what they consider to be standard.
Let’s return to the chair illustration. You may ask clients which material they find to be the most comfortable or if they prefer chairs with or without arms. Keep in mind that your most valuable tool is your consumer base. Therefore, identify your target market first, then leverage their tastes and knowledge to develop the most ergonomic design.
