TY - JOUR

T1 - Integrating ergonomics into the engineering design of a hospital sterile processing plant

T2 - The role of objects

A1 - Hall-Andersen,Lene Bjerg

A1 - Broberg,Ole

AU - Hall-Andersen,Lene Bjerg

AU - Broberg,Ole

PB - Pergamon

PY - 2012

Y1 - 2012

N2 - The aim of the study is to explore how ergonomic knowledge can be integrated into engineering design processes. Through an explorative case study, we found that ergonomic knowledge was integrated into the design process, partly through the involvement of an ergonomist in the project, and partly through the use of objects in the design process. Applying the concept of boundary object and intermediary objects, the study indicated that layout sketches were used as means to bring ergonomic knowledge into action in the design process by representing different features of the design object and thereby facilitating a dialogue about the design object. The study also showed that an ergonomic guideline document, completed by the ergonomist, was used as a means to pass on ergonomic recommendations in the design process. However, in the meeting with other design actors, some of the recommendations were changed or not implemented. They were transformed rather than transferred.

AB - The aim of the study is to explore how ergonomic knowledge can be integrated into engineering design processes. Through an explorative case study, we found that ergonomic knowledge was integrated into the design process, partly through the involvement of an ergonomist in the project, and partly through the use of objects in the design process. Applying the concept of boundary object and intermediary objects, the study indicated that layout sketches were used as means to bring ergonomic knowledge into action in the design process by representing different features of the design object and thereby facilitating a dialogue about the design object. The study also showed that an ergonomic guideline document, completed by the ergonomist, was used as a means to pass on ergonomic recommendations in the design process. However, in the meeting with other design actors, some of the recommendations were changed or not implemented. They were transformed rather than transferred.

KW - Boundary objects

KW - Intermediary objects

KW - Engineering design

JO - Applied Ergonomics

JF - Applied Ergonomics

SN - 0003-6870

ER -