Definition of Cognitive Ergonomics:

Cognitive ergonomics is a field of ergonomics concerned with understanding and improving the interaction between human cognitive processes—such as perception, memory, attention, decision-making, and motor control—and the design of systems, tasks, and environments. It aims to optimize human performance and well-being by considering cognitive limitations and abilities when designing tools, interfaces, or workflows.

Relevant Sources:

  • Hollnagel, E. (1997). Cognitive ergonomics: It's all in the mind. Ergonomics, 40(10), 1170-1182. doi:10.1080/001401397187685

This paper provides an extensive overview of cognitive ergonomics, emphasizing the importance of understanding mental processes in system design to ensure safe and efficient human-system interaction.

  • Vicente, K. J. (1999). Cognitive work analysis: Toward safe, productive, and healthy computer-based work. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Vicente’s work explores cognitive work analysis (CWA) as a method for integrating cognitive ergonomics into the design of computer-based systems, emphasizing the importance of understanding human cognition to improve system safety and productivity.

  • Norman, D. A. (1986). Cognitive engineering. In D. A. Norman & S. W. Draper (Eds.), User-centered system design: New perspectives on human-computer interaction (pp. 31-61). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Norman discusses the principles of cognitive engineering, a sub-field of cognitive ergonomics, and how understanding human cognitive limitations can enhance the design of user-friendly systems.

  • Wickens, C. D., & Hollands, J. G. (2000). Engineering psychology and human performance (3rd ed.). Prentice Hall.

This book offers a detailed analysis of how cognitive ergonomics can improve performance and safety in complex systems by aligning system design with human cognitive capabilities.

  • Wilson, J. R. (2000). Fundamentals of ergonomics in theory and practice. Applied Ergonomics, 31(6), 557-567. doi:10.1016/S0003-6870(00)00034-X

Wilson provides an overview of the field of ergonomics, with a focus on cognitive ergonomics and its role in optimizing human performance and well-being by designing systems that consider human mental functions.

Conclusion:

Cognitive ergonomics aims to improve the interaction between humans and systems by understanding cognitive processes like attention, memory, and decision-making. By focusing on these elements, cognitive ergonomics helps design systems that enhance safety, performance, and user satisfaction. This field is crucial in modern system design where human error can have significant consequences, ensuring that systems are not only efficient but also intuitive and safe for human use.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with understanding human interactions with elements of systems and environments, with the goal of optimizing well-being, performance, and overall system functionality. It involves designing tools, equipment, and work environments to align with human capacities and limitations, ensuring safety, comfort, and efficiency.

Key Definitions:

  • International Ergonomics Association (IEA) defines ergonomics as: “the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data, and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.” (IEA, 2021).

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Ergonomics is the “study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body, its movements, and its cognitive abilities.” (OSHA, 2021).

  • British Standards Institution (BSI): Ergonomics, often referred to as human factors, is the application of scientific principles, methods, and data drawn from a variety of disciplines to the design of equipment, systems, and tasks to improve human safety, health, comfort, and performance (BSI, 2018).

Etymology:

The word ergonomics derives from the Greek words ergon (ἔργον), meaning "work" or "task," and nomos (νόμος), meaning "law" or "natural rule." It was coined in the mid-20th century by Polish scientist Wojciech Jastrzębowski in 1857. His use of the term was intended to describe "the science of work."

Application of Ergonomics:

Ergonomics applies to various domains, including:

  • Workplace design (e.g., office chairs, desks)

  • Tools and equipment (e.g., hand tools that reduce strain)

  • Systems (e.g., human-computer interaction, machinery)

  • Occupational health (e.g., reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries, musculoskeletal disorders)

Citations:

  • International Ergonomics Association. (2021). What is Ergonomics? [online] Available at: https://www.iea.cc.

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2021). Ergonomics: The Study of Work. [online] Available at: https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics.

  • British Standards Institution. (2018). BS EN ISO 6385:2016 Ergonomics Principles in the Design of Work Systems. BSI.