ERGONOMICS of PAINTING

Ergonomics is defined as “an applied science concerned with the characteristics of people that need to be considered in designing and arranging things that they use in order that people and things will interact most effectively and safely” (Webster, 2011). An understanding of ergonomics underpins the ability to “constantly make slight invisible adjustments to an activity to adapt to the needs of those taking part and ensure that it continues to work for its intended purpose” (Caulton and Dickson 2007).

So in this sense Ergonomics is the science of designing a person’s environment so that it facilitates the highest level of function for the particular activity. It’s about how the activity can be made to fit the ability of the person and the resources available in the environment.

In relation to my activity of painting there are an enormous number of factors to be taken into consideration when analyzing the ergonomics, but these basically can be broken into interrelationships of person, activity and environment.

In regards to both person and activity one of the main things that the individual needs to consider is money to go out and buy all the Art Supplies, as artists will need paint, brushes of varying sizes, a paint pallet and paper/canvases. Other things to take into account with painting are preferences such as what type of paint to use, the time you want to spend on painting and the environment where you will paint.

When looking at ergonomics in regards to the environment, one of the main things to consider is where you want to paint. Whether it is inside in a room, in a studio with others or outside however this will depend on the weather. It could also be a social experience where you take art classes and meet other people will similar interests.

Another thing to consider is whether you will stand or sit down at a desk. Painting can often be a hunched over position so it is important to have regular breaks and try to adopt a more comfortable posture.

Other factors that influence the activity are the price of the paints; the nicest brands are often the most expensive. The activity itself has no time limit; it can take as long or as short as needed, as it is the people involved who have the time limits they have to stick to, not the activity.

 It is essential to understand ergonomics to be able to make sure there is a good fit between the activity itself, the person and the environment.

References:

Caulton R., & Dickson R. (2007). Whats going on? Finding an explanation for what we do. In J. Creek & A. Lawson-Porter (Eds.), Contemporary Issues in Occupational Therapy (pp. 87-114). Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Ergonomics. (2011). Retrieved, 6^th October, 2011 from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ergonomics?show=0&t=1318544896