A six-step model to transform an ergonomic work analysis into design guidelines for engineering projects

BACKGROUND: Ergonomic work analysis (EWA) is an ethnographic-like method that can produce very detailed accounts for the real work in work systems. Such knowledge is valuable for designers when they are designing new work systems. However, the rich data from the EWA need to be transformed into more designerfriendly guidelines to have an impact in engineering design projects. OBJECTIVE: We propose a six-step model to transform EWA into ergonomic design guidelines (EDG). This model can be applied by ergonomists and researchers when they are taking part in projects and aim at transferring operational experiences into engineering design. METHODS: Based on experiences with EWA, we set up a model for transforming the outcome of EWA into EDG. We illustrate the model in a case study in the offshore oil industry. RESULTS: The paper describes how to transform the EWA rich data into EDG following the six-step model, including the concepts of characteristic situations and settings of usage. CONCLUSIONS: Based on preliminary testing and validation by designers, EWA can be transformed into useful EDG by following the six steps in the proposed model.