Abstract:
This research focuses on ergonomic solutions for products and environments, taking into account anthropometric, positional, movement, visual, hygienic, and safety conditions, along with the specific needs of target groups. The goal is to optimize human-product interaction comprehensively, maximizing user comfort in operation, handling, and maintenance.

Main objectives:

• To analyse and optimize the ergonomics of products and environments, focusing on both work-related and non-work-related user activities.

• To conduct human posture analysis and optimize working and movement spaces.

• To establish ergonomic limits and identify ergonomic risks.

Research content:
Ergonomics is an interdisciplinary, system-oriented field that examines the complex human activity and its relationships with the products and the environment. This research concentrates on ergonomics in industrial design, including the development of products for both work and leisure activities. Effective solutions to ergonomic challenges are supported by deep knowledge in design and modernization of industrial products and workspaces.

The primary aim is to design ideal ergonomic solutions for mass-produced products, such as production machinery and machine tools, construction and agricultural machinery, tools, vehicles, medical equipment, equipment for the disabled and the working environment. The research is grounded in corrective ergonomic studies of existing products, where detailed analysis of the human-machine-environment system is conducted to evaluate the feasibility of operations involving human-product interaction.

Additionally, the research explores the conceptual design of new products with a strong emphasis on the human factor, adhering to the "User-centered design" approach. This principle prioritizes user needs from the earliest design stages, ensuring maximized user comfort. Ergonomic requirements are given equal importance alongside aesthetic, technical, and economic aspects of design, contributing to improved work efficiency and user satisfaction.

Ergonomic optimization of existing products and the development of new products are carried out following the Methodology of Inclusion of Ergonomic Aspects in the Design Study. Ergonomic risks are identified using proven methods such as RULA Methodology for the Evaluation of Body Part Positions, the REBA Methodology for the Evaluation of Work Positions and the Comprehensive Ergonomic Risk Assessment Checklist.

Publications:
RUBÍNOVÁ, D. Analysis of the subsystem of a man and a product in the creative process of an industrial designer. In NES 2007- Ergonomics for a future. Lisekil: Chalmers University of Technology, 2007. p. 66-70. https://www.vut.cz/en/rad/results/detail/23565

RUBÍNOVÁ, D. Ergonomics for the Elderly as the Topical Criterion for Industrial Design Creation. In 4th International Multidisciplinary Scientific Conference on Social Sciences and Arts SGEM2017. SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific Conference on Social Sciences and Arts. Book 5. Sofia, Bulgaria: STEF92 Technology Ltd., 2017. p. 101-107. ISBN: 978-619-7105-96-4. ISSN: 2367-5659.
https://www.vut.cz/en/rad/results/detail/145868

RUBÍNOVÁ, D. Optimization of Design of Public Passenger Transport Stops Respecting Characteristics of Users as well as Environmental Parameters. In 4th International Multidisciplinary Scientific Conference on Social Sciences and Arts SGEM2017. SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific Conference on Social Sciences and Arts. Book 5. Sofia, Bulgaria: STEF92 Technology Ltd., 2017. p. 677-683. ISBN: 978-619-7408-25-6. ISSN: 2367-5659. https://www.vut.cz/en/rad/results/detail/146224

Partners and Collaboration:
Fachhochschule Salzburg, Design and Product management, Campus Kuchl, Markt 136a, AT – 5431 Kuchl, Austria.

Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Námestie slobody 19, 812 45 Bratislava, Slovakia.

Projects:
Sustainable design with tradition, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports – AKTION Austria-Czech Republic, 98p14, 2024.

Design and testing of prototypes of new MSR products, contract research, 2021.

Design with E. & K. tradition, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports – AKTION Austria-Czech Republic, AKTION 79p8, 2017.

Contact person:
doc. akad. soch. Ladislav Křenek, ArtD.