What do you think of when you hear the term, “ergonomics”? If you’re like most folks, you’ll talk about how to position your workstation computer, the height of your chair relative to your computer, and how to place your hands on the keyboard and mouse to avoid the dreaded carpal tunnel syndrome. 

All of the above fit under the term. However, ergonomics is also concerned with the objects people use daily. In today’s article, we cover specialized computers like enterprise PCs and the many ways they’re designed with their users’ well-being in mind in the healthcare, industrial, and enterprise verticals.

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the study of people and how to interact safely and effectively in settings like the workplace. Proper posture while sitting in a chair is an example of good ergonomics. The worker will not feel uncomfortable while working or suffer possible strains afterward. 

Lifting several heavy boxes using your back is an example of bad ergonomics. Here, the worker feels the strain and could suffer injury if ignored. 

Other examples include proper lighting in your office space (good ergonomics) and cradling a phone receiver between your ear and neck (bad ergonomics). 

Good ergonomics promote good health in people, both physically and mentally. Healthy people are more productive at work and less likely to suffer work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) and other illnesses, which help a business’s bottom line. Bad ergonomics drain companies as stressed staff work haphazardly or call out due to sickness, injury, or both. Companies can promote good ergonomics or minimize bad ones with proper tools and techniques.

The Importance of Ergonomics in Computers Today

The science of computer ergonomics aims to design computer equipment that reduces a user’s discomfort and increases productivity. Unsurprisingly, the field receives a lot of attention, given the critical role of computers in today’s world. Worldwide, the average person spends 6 hours and 40 minutes looking at some form of computer screen daily, with the average American slightly higher at 7 hours and 3 minutes. 

Using a computer involves a lot of repetitive motions, like moving the mouse and typing away on a keyboard or touchscreen. People also stare at a monitor for long periods, especially while working. All these and more can cause eye strain, back and neck pain, headaches, and shoulder and arm pain. Computer ergonomics aims to reduce these strains and pains, reducing any chance of injuries.

Computer Ergonomics in Desktop PCs and AIOs 

Ergonomic keyboards and ergonomic chairs are obvious examples of computer ergonomics. The splayed layout of the keyboards and the numerous chair levers stand in sharp contrast to their regular, non-ergonomic counterparts.

Ergonomics for computers like industrial or medical PCs are more subtle. You may only notice the design changes if you’ve been meticulously tracking that model throughout its many generations. However, the changes will be felt, especially for users using their computer shift after shift, hour after hour. 

  • Rechargeable batteries: Computers and medical monitors with hot-swap battery capability can swap out spent batteries with fresh ones. The batteries are designed to be lighter and have solid, easy-to-grip handles, making them a breeze to carry and use throughout one’s workday.
  • User-friendly screen: Original Equipment and Design manufacturers work closely with their clients and can ensure their products follow their users’ actual workflow and knowledge. All-in-one (AIO) computers can be designed to have an RFID reader on the AIO’s front and lower left side. That way, users don’t have to switch their RFID fob from their right hand to their left to log in. A design choice like placing indicator lights at the bottom right of the AIO is similar to the power indicator of the Windows OS, which most users are familiar with and won’t waste time looking for.
  • Friendly accessories: The slots of the above battery charger can be angled to make inserting spent batteries easier. Attachable cameras can tilt so users don’t strain themselves adjusting their bodies during video meetings, while removable or built-in anti-glare screens protect those same users from eye strain. 

Other subtle, computer ergonomic designs include:

  • A curved back of the AIO or monitor to make gripping them easier during cleaning. 
  • VESA mounts are placed higher on the back of the equipment for better weight distribution. 
  • Thinner bezels are designed on a 24-inch medical-grade monitor or AIO to allow passage through doorways without turning the equipment.  

Computer Ergonomics Already Built In by Cybernet Manufacturing

Ergonomics aims to make people more efficient in settings like the workplace, and computer ergonomics brings that efficiency to computer use. While computer ergonomics usually revolves around the user’s posture and position, it also involves the PC’s design, such as battery handling and accessories.

Are you looking to bring ergonomics to your computer users? Contact the team at Cybernet Manufacturing! Team members will happily cover how our all-in-one PCs and their good ergonomic design can make your organization more healthy, satisfied, and efficient. 

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