Friday, April 25, 2014

Take a seat on the ergonomically correct toilet of the future

30th of December 2013
Take a seat on the ergonomically correct toilet of the future
A new lavatory said to reduce the risk of colon diseases - while also being able to tell if you are ill or pregnant - has been unveiled by a trio of industrial design graduates.
The Wellbeing Toilet is designed to be used at an angle between sitting and squatting, which is said reduce colon problems.
According to the three design graduates from London's Central St Martin's University, today's toilets are potentially detrimental for health since they force users to perch upright at a 90-degree angle.
"The angle increases the risk of colon diseases and bowel-related illnesses," explains designer Sam Sheard. "Ideally you should squat but there are negative social connotations because we're used to sitting down on a toilet."
The Wellbeing Toilet aims to facilitate a better posture among toilet users by allowing them to use the lavatory at a more ergonomic angle. It also analyses the urine of the user.
"It's what you'd get if you go to the doctor and they check for diabetes, kidney disease or phosphates in the urine," said Sheard. He adds that the toilet can also be used to test for pregnancy.
"The industry connected with pregnancy tests has huge costs both financially and environmentally - with resources, manufacturing, plastic packaging, and distribution - and if you can encompass that within a toilet you can have an impact."
Sheard and the two other design graduates - Pierre Papet and Victor Johansson - won a Dyno-Rod Drains competition to reimagine the toilet. Although the ergonomic toilet is still only a concept, the designers say the technology is completely viable.

http://www.europeancleaningjournal.com/magazine/articles/latest-news/take-a-seat-on-the-ergonomically-correct-toilet-of-the-future

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

5 Surprising Principles For Designing Smartwatches


SOON, WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY WILL BE AS COMMON AS THE IPHONE. AN EXPERT IN ERGONOMICS SHOWS THE BEST WAY TO DESIGN FOR THE SMALL SCREEN.


Five years ago, I coined the phrase “Ergonomics of Interaction Design” to explain how physical ergonomic principles could be applied to the design of user interfaces. At the time, many thought of ergonomics only as it related to 3-dimensional, tangible products where issues of physical fit and comfort were considered critical (think: office chair). But the rapid proliferation of gestural and touch interfaces combined with the widespread use of devices in unconventional contexts--in bed, while driving, while walking--signaled growing design challenges.
Since then, display clarity and touch-screen sensitivity have advanced. Designer awareness and attention to physical interactions have inched upward. But there is still much more to do.





Image: Courtesy of Samsung






















Smartwatches are the next wave of the physical/digital convergence. Unfortunately, they seem to come with a set of false preconceptions about how they should and could be designed and used. So here are five counter-intuitive tips to consider in the design of these emerging devices.

Smartwatches Are Not Little Smartphones
A misconception in smartwatch design is believing that these devices are scaled down versions of smartphones, or even “second screens” to a smartphone. The problem with this approach is that it doesn’t account for several meaningful differences. Consider the following small, but important, distinctions.





Image: Courtesy of Samsung























Ergonomically, smartphones are carried whereas smartwatches are worn on the body. Emotionally, smartphones are seen as tools whereas smartwatches are primarily considered decorative. And when it comes to user interaction, smartphones are inert when not in use, but watches are always on.
Consequently, both the physical and interaction design of these body-worn devices need to be based on their unique characteristics of use, rather than trying to duplicate their bigger smartphone brothers.

Wearable Doesn’t Mean Just for the Wearer
Wearable digital devices will eventually become commonplace, but their current novelty draws attention to the wearer and the device. This presents a unique opportunity to expand what these watches might do. In fact, the high visibility of smartwatches could allow users to more easily communicate information with others. Consider a smartwatch as you might a digital mood ring--a tool for selectively sharing information (images, content) rather than just handing someone your smartphone. If the watch becomes a portal of information for others, not just the user, it would allow a smartwatch user to more readily share information without going into the often awkward postures associated with using smartphones.
On Your Body Doesn’t Equal Ergonomic




Image: Courtesy of Samsung

















Speaking of postures, keep in mind that while wearing a device eliminates the need to carry it, that doesn’t automatically make it accessible or easy to interact with. Utilizing a wrist worn touch screen requires rotating one arm inward and reaching across the body with the other arm--not a difficult gesture, but one that’s uncomfortable to do repetitively. Designers need to keep this in mind and limit interactions accordingly.

Small Displays Are Like Big Displays
Surprisingly, the small displays on wearable devices have more in common with large screen displays like TVs than they do tablets and smartphones. Very large and very small displays share a common interaction model: both are based primarily on information consumption rather than information generation and therefore rely on limited data entry. In fact, such similarities make smartwatches an excellent tool for interacting with big displays, such as remotely controlling your TV.
Visual and Tactile Are Equal
On smartphones, visual is primary and tactile is secondary. We use vibrate mode to reduce distraction and disruption, and rely on the rich visual displays typically only when we are directly interacting. Conversely, a smartwatch may be continually displaying visual information (it’s a watch after all) without any user interaction. But as wearable devices are in direct contact with the skin, tactile feedback can be even more salient and communicative than visual. As a result tactile feedback is just as important, and in some cases, more important than visual display.
Sometimes we need to redefine our frame of reference when it comes to emerging design. In the case of smartwatches, trying to force fit the product into a predefined space--a smartphone that you wear like a watch--will lead to narrow thinking at best and failed products at worst.


http://www.fastcodesign.com/3022457/5-surprising-principles-for-designing-smartwatches

Monday, April 21, 2014

Invention loves collaboration in Milan: "more ergonomic seating"











The sprawling show, which closed April 13, is the largest in the world, capitalizing on Italian excellence in furniture design and craftsmanship. The weeklong happening, which spills out into Milan venues with numerous side events, is also increasingly the launching pad for high-level collaborations among the fashion, architecture, technological and design worlds.


‘‘The market is big and growing for those who have a strong brand,” said the presiding chairman of the international furniture show, Kartell CEO Claudio Luti, noting that visitors from 160 countries were on hand to see new products from some 2,400 furniture makers at the Rho convention center near Milan. ‘‘It is a great opportunity and a great recognition of the quality of innovation.”






Get a charge out of your furniture

At the end of a long day, both user and mobile phone are out of juice. In the dream house of the near future, there’s no more fumbling for phone chargers. Just plunk down your device on a surface with a built-in wireless charging station.

Powermat wireless recharging technology is being incorporated into Corian surfaces, the DuPont creation that can be molded into virtually any shape and purpose, making it ideal for kitchen countertops, bathroom surfaces and tabletops — any of which now can become a charging station. The energy transfer is through magnetic induction, not electricity, meaning ‘‘there is no chance of sparkage,” said Scott Eisenstein, a Powermat vice president.

DuPont envisions the broadest initial application in public spaces, say, restaurants, airports or train stations where mobile device charging can be monetized. But DuPont also sees a market niche for the technology as a luxury feature in private homes.

Until the wireless technology becomes standard in mobile phones, Powermat has bridge technologies in the form of charging phone cases or a charging ring that plugs into the device. Each need to be placed on a specified spot on the surface, where the energy transfer can be made.










Fashion meets design

The Pucci fashion house has teamed up with the Bisazza glass-mosaic makers to create splashy wall mosaics featuring archival Pucci patterns. The collaboration was born out of friendship between Laudomia Pucci and Rossella Bisazza, women who have taken over the historic Italian brands founded by their fathers.

‘The idea is to transfer the print from garments to interiors,” Bisazza said in the brand’s Milan store. ‘‘It is a way to decorate the house.”

Three of the creations are envisioned as wall hangings, pieces of art in limited editions of 99. Each bold, geometric mosaic is made from hand-cut stones and takes six mosaic makers 200 hours to assemble. The collection also includes three more-industrialized products that can be installed directly on interior walls.

Sculpted furniture by Cardin

Pierre Cardin, a pioneer in ready-to-wear fashion, also was one of the first fashion designers to branch out into furniture. Now his nephew, Rodrigo Basilicati, is spearheading a new collection of Cardin’s so-called ‘‘Utilitarian Sculptures.”

A high-back curved S-shaped chair with ever the slightest spring is part of the collection. It is made out of flexible birch, plied into curves and covered with lacquered paint. Each piece takes two to four months to produce in Cardin’s native Veneto (the designer moved to France at age 2) and will be made by order in limited quantities of as few as eight.

Cardin, now 91, was on hand for the unveiling of the creations at the Milan fairgrounds, wearing a double-breasted suit jacket accented with a green kerchief. He promptly went about reorganizing the stand, banishing refreshments, overseeing the transfer to the corner of a heavy sculpted floor lamp in the shape of a giant plant and repositioning a light to better accentuate a bureau.

‘‘If I do something, I do it well, or I don’t do it,” the designer said.

Table wear befitting the most finicky chef

Kartell has returned to table wear, a line it abandoned in the 1970s, this time tapping the imaginations of three designers and three chefs for their ideal table settings.

Italian chef and restaurateur Davide Oldani wants his servers to know exactly how to place a plate before diners so he put a raised thumb print on his dishes for proper orientation. Andrea Berton and Carlo Cracco stuck to accessories, from serving plates for Cracco to sculpted bread dishes by Berton.

Philippe Starke created a series of whimsical domes dubbed ‘‘Ding Dong” for anything from cakes to hard boiled eggs; Jean-Marie Massaud made asymmetrical plates suggestive of flat stones; and Patricia Urquiola designed a series of transparent molded plastic dishes, bowls and drinking cups.

High-tech/low-tech

While technology remains a driving force in home furnishing innovations, there were also many simple, low-tech solutions on offer.

A Dutch design team created pop-up furniture for temporary restaurants or festivals — a cushioned and heated bench for two with a built-in table that folds into a box for easy transport. The pieces, made for side-by-side dining or working, were dubbed Soullmate.

Itinerant Italians often lament the quality of espresso abroad. Bialetti, maker of stove-top espresso machines, has one solution: a stainless steel bottom on its traditional stove-top espresso maker that better conducts heat from electric or ceramic-top heating elements common abroad, while retaining the aluminum reservoir, which best preserves the espresso flavor. Bialetti’s traditional espresso makers have been all-aluminum.



http://www.reflector.com/look/invention-loves-collaboration-milan-2456037

Friday, April 18, 2014

The Big Gripper: How Home Depot Copied Apple to Build an Ingenious New Ergonomically Designed Bucket

Home Depot Reinvents The Bucket
Home Depot’s new Big Gripper all-purpose bucket is a handy improvement on the old school, five-gallon contractor pail. An ergonomic handle and patent pending “pocket grip” on the underside sets the product apart on the shelf, but more importantly, the design is a showpiece for a new approach to big box merchandising. Brick-and-mortar retailers have learned a lesson from Apple and are following their vertically integrated approach by developing high-quality, and exclusive, products to remain competitive in the age of Amazon. And they’re learning from another Apple trademark: revisiting product categories filled with bad offerings, and completely rethinking them.



The clever container was developed in textbook fashion by Herbst Produkt, an award-winning firm with a client list that includes Clorox and Facebook. Like a good user-centered designer, founder Scot Herbst started the project by observing customers in their natural habitats and recording their difficulties using similar products. “We found this particularly true in the female demographic — someone would load a garden bucket with soil and have a hell of a time lifting and maneuvering the ungainly mass,” says Herbst.

With this insight in hand, Herbst rearranged the elements of the bucket to create an asymmetrical, yet better balanced product. “The best part about these little innovations is they didn’t add any cost to the product,” he says. “They’re cost-neutral features that are achieved without adding material or complex tooling.” You can’t argue with free, but the importance of this design rests less in its features and more why it was developed in the first place.
Products like the bucket sell by the millions, but haven’t been improved in decades.
It might be hard to believe, but when the Home Depot was founded in 1978, it was hugely innovative. Floor to ceiling stacks of oriented strand board might lack the panache of 3-D printing, yet both developments had similar effects. Prior to the arrival of these walk-in warehouses, weekend warriors were left with whatever limited selection their local hardware store carried. For two decades, Home Depot founder Bernie Marcus made it his mission to make exotic tools and hard-to-find building materials available to anyone with a pick-up truck.
In 2000, Marcus retired and brought on Bob Nardelli as CEO. Nardelli had been one of Jack Welch’s hatchet men at GE, and he spent the next seven years driving down costs—at the expense of Home Depot’s reputation for innovation. “From what I understand, it had a brutal cost-cutting culture that stymied product innovation,” says Herbst.
At the same time, Amazon and other online tool sellers were beating physical retailers at the price game. Shipping bags of concrete was cost prohibitive, but online sales of hyper-profitable, high-ticket power tools boomed. “If the game is played solely on a price-cutting platform, you will inevitably run out of margin to support new innovation,” says Herbst. “What the consumer doesn't appreciate is that innovation costs money—R&D, prototyping, design, engineering, IP—all of these activities require an investment.”
Marcus forced Nardelli out in 2007 and brought in a Home Depot veteran to right the ship by returning the focus to developing and selling innovative products, exclusive to Home Depot. The mandate came with a cool code name — Project: Whitespace — and Herbst Produkt jumped at the chance to redesign humble products like the bucket that sell by the millions, but haven’t been improved on since their introduction decades ago.
Home Depot is also taking a page from values-driven companies like Patagonia and emphasizing how their products are made in addition to how they function. The Big Gripper bucket is part of the retailer’s “Made in America” initiative, which is attempting to “reshore” manufacturing jobs, and is being produced by a family-run company outside of Boston. “Any cost premiums are balanced out by the fast lead-time to market and incredibly, ridiculously, high volumes that Home Depot can support,” says Herbst.
The Big Gripper is available at Home Depot’s website and stores across the country.
http://www.wired.com/2013/12/home-depot-reinvents-buckets/#slideid-384671

Thursday, April 17, 2014

The Human Body Does Not Like Sitting For Long Periods Of Time



By selecting office furniture of an ergonomic design, you can create a more comfortable work environment. The human body does not like sitting for long periods of time.  Traditional seating can cause lower back pain. In addition, a work space that is not arranged properly can lead to neck and wrist pain.  It is important to select furniture that is well suited to the person or people that will be using it.  For communal equipment, it is a good idea to look for adjustable furniture.  That way each user can set their seat and desk so that it is most comfortable for them.

An ergonomic chair design is one where the body is positioned in such a way as to reduce the strain on the lower back.  One solution is the kneeling stool.  This consists of a backless stool with an angled knee rest.  The kneeling stool works by shifting the position of the hips forward, encouraging the user to sit up straight and reduce the strain on their back.  Other seating is not quite so exotic.  The height of the seat should be about one quarter of the height of the user, so by making the seat adjustable it can be used by people of various shapes and sizes.  Armrests are of benefit to anyone who spends most of their time typing, as they can reduce the strain on the arms and shoulders.
An ergonomic workstation design will include the ability to adjust the position of the computer monitor and keyboard.  The monitor should be directly above the keyboard, and should be raised so that the top of the screen is just above eye level.  The keyboard should be placed on an adjustable tray so that the user can raise or lower it to the most comfortable height.  It is never a good idea to use a keyboard or mouse that is placed on a standard table top.  This is generally too high for all potential users, and will lead to hand and wrist pain.  The ideal position is to have the keyboard at the same level as the elbows.

At the ErgoBack, you will find a wide selection of furniture of an ergonomic design.  From desks to seating to computer workstations, nobody sells more office solutions than we do.  Visit us online at www.ErgoBack.com.  Be sure to check out our natural computer keyboards and mice as well.  We are proud to supply all of your company’s needs.



About Us

This blog is sponsored by ErgoBack, a company committed to providing ergonomically designed products including chairs and desks for the home/&office. We believe promoting ergonomic health in people's everyday lives is an important part of keeping individuals happy and healthy. Visit our online store at www.ErgoBack.com for the best deals on ergonomic chairs, desk, computer stations, and more.

Desks




For today’s typical employee, a large portion of their day will be spent working at a computer.  The layout of their work space can have a significant effect on their health and productivity.  A badly designed work space will force the worker to adopt awkward or stressful positions that can lead to muscle strains and repetitive stress injuries.  By using an ergonomic office desk, one can reduce the stress on the body and prevent such injuries.

For the typical computer user, the most common problems relate to the position of the monitor, the keyboard and the mouse.  The monitor is often too low.  The top of the screen should be just above eye level.  By raising the monitor to this height you reduce the strain on the back of the neck.

In contrast, the keyboard and the mouse are often positioned too high, especially when there is no keyboard tray.  The keyboard tray should be set so that the user’s forearms remain level and their wrists are straight.  If you find your wrists are bent upwards during typing, chances are your keyboard is too high. By continuing to work in that position, you run the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome; a condition where the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed resulting in pain and weakness in the hands.

The monitor should be directly above the keyboard.  Many people place their monitor off to the side in order to give themselves more work space.  While this may be okay for someone who does not use their computer very often, the prolonged use in this position, with the neck twisted to the side, can cause severe neck pain.

An ergonomic desk will be able to position the input and output devices of the computer for maximum comfort.  Ideally this positioning should be adjustable, as not everyone has the same body shape or size.  The correct keyboard height for one person may be quite a bit wrong for another.  An innovative solution is to select a table or workstation with an adjustable height.  This is a particularly good idea for any situation where different people will be asked to use the same equipment.

The best selection for anyone looking for an ergonomic desk can be found at www.ErgoBack.com.   Visit us online today to check out the full range of products we offer.


About Us

This blog is sponsored by ErgoBack, a company committed to providing ergonomically designed products including chairs and desks for the home/&office. We believe promoting ergonomic health in people's everyday lives is an important part of keeping individuals happy and healthy. Visit our online store at www.ErgoBack.com for the best deals on ergonomic chairs, desk, computer stations, and more.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Correct Ergonomic Computer Adjustments




Many people spend all day working at their PC.  An ergonomic computer desk can reduce the stresses places on those who spend hours typing.  The best solution if to find something that can be adjusted to the height of the user.  People of different sizes need their keyboards and monitors positioned differently for maximum comfort.

You will want to position your monitor at the correct height to reduce the stress on the back of your neck.  The monitor should be elevated so that the top of the screen is near eye level.  The monitor should be tilted upwards at a slight angle, and should be about 20 inches in front of your face.  The monitor should not be placed off to the side.  It should be directly above the keyboard.  If it is off to the side, you will find that your neck will begin to hurt from keeping it twisted for long periods of time.

The position of the keyboard is important to prevent the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome.  Without using a keyboard tray, most tables would keep the keyboard too high.  This means that your arms and wrists are elevated, and more stress is placed on them.  This is also true of the mouse position.  Ideally, it should be at the same height as the keyboard, allowing the user to hold their arms level to the ground.

There is such a thing as an ergonomic laptop desk.  This is designed to provide enough space to use your notebook computer at the correct height.  A regular workstation will not have enough space on the keyboard tray to operate a notebook.   Another solution is to use a separate keyboard and purchase a stand for your notebook that will allow it to sit on your workstation at the correct height.  A full size keyboard, particularly one that is shaped for comfort, is much easier on your wrists and hands that the notebook’s keyboard.

Perhaps the most innovative solution for your work space is a completely adjustable work space.  You can get a table whose height can be altered with a crank or pneumatic system.  This allows you to set the workstation for whoever is going to be using it that day, and even allows them to use it in either a sitting or a standing position, whichever is more preferable.

When you need an ergonomic computer desk, be sure to check out the large selection at www.ErgoBack.com.  Our online catalog has many different solutions to your work space needs.



About Us

This blog is sponsored by ErgoBack, a company committed to providing ergonomically designed products including chairs and desks for the home/&office. We believe promoting ergonomic health in people's everyday lives is an important part of keeping individuals happy and healthy. Visit our online store at www.ErgoBack.com for the best deals on ergonomic chairs, desk, computer stations, and more.





The Human Body is a Complicated Piece of Machinery




The human body is a complicated piece of machinery.  It can be truly remarkable in its ability to be manipulated and to perform many tasks.  However the body can also break down, both by traumatic injury and by repetitive stress injury.  Repetitive stress injury, or RSI, refers to damage to the nerves, muscles and tendons of the body by the repeated application of force.  It can also be influenced by awkward positioning.  Even people whose job it is to work at a desk all day can damage their bodies if they position themselves poorly.  Ergonomic furniture is designed to position the body in such a way as to reduce the potential for repetitive stress injuries.

Working at a desk all day can cause a series of problems, including lower back pain, neck pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.  The lower back pain is cause by not sitting properly.  A necessary piece of ergonomic furniture is a good chair.  This should be able to be adjusted for the user so that they can sit with their legs bent at a 90 – 105 degree angle and their feet flat on the ground.  When sitting properly in the chair the user’s upper legs should extend two inches at the knee beyond the edge of the seat.  And finally the seat should have sufficient lumbar back support.  One feature that is nice to have if you are typing is armrests, as it can reduce the strain on your elbows and help keep your shoulder up and prevent you from becoming hunched over.

Besides a chair, the other component of ergonomic computer furniture is the desk.  This desk should allow you to arrange the monitor, the mouse and the keyboard in such a way and to reduce the pressure on your wrists and neck.  The monitor should be raised up so that the top of the monitor is at eye level.  This keeps the head up and prevents pain in the back of the neck.  The keyboard should be able to be positioned such that it is at the same level as the user’s elbows.  The mouse should also be able to be used at this level.  There are several designs of desks and workstations that allow for the proper placement of the keyboard and the monitor.

Repetitive stress injuries are not limited to the workplace, however.  Thus you may need ergonomic home furniture.  By visiting our website at www.ErgoBack.com, you can browse through our extensive online catalog to find furnishing that are appropriate for your home, home/office or apartment.






About Us

This blog is sponsored by ErgoBack, a company committed to providing ergonomically designed products including chairs and desks for the home/&office. We believe promoting ergonomic health in people's everyday lives is an important part of keeping individuals happy and healthy. Visit our online store at www.ErgoBack.com for the best deals on ergonomic chairs, desk, computer stations, and more.

Ergonomic Office Furniture & You!

Today many companies strive only to use ergonomic office furniture.  These include chairs and workstations that are designed to increase employee comfort and reduce the potential for the types of injuries that are caused by the repetition of awkward movements and positioning.

Modern ergonomic furniture comes in a variety of styles.  There are executive desks for the management, workstations for the staffers, and reception desks for the entrance area.  Each has a different set of requirements in terms of appearance and work area.  However, if properly designed, they will all serve to position their users in such a way that their bodies are kept in a more natural state.  Of particular importance is that the keyboard and the monitor are kept at the correct height for their user.

Carpal tunnel syndrome and various types of tendinitis can result from operating a computer in an awkward position.  For anyone who spends a lot of time working at a computer, it will not be sufficient to place the computer on top of a table or desk.  By doing so you raise the keyboard too high and set the monitor too low.  A proper desk will allow you to arrange your computer in order to reduce the stresses on your body.  This is especially true for laptop computers.  By making them portable, one has lost the flexibility that one gets by separating the various components.  If you use your laptop for long periods of time at your desk, consider investing in a laptop workstation.  By using a separate keyboard and a laptop stand, you can gain the benefits of a proper computer arrangement while still retaining the portability that you need.

Proper seating is key to maintaining a healthy staff.  Traditional work space chairs had the tendency to cause lower back pain.  Your employees will probably be spending a great deal of their time sitting.  By supplying them with a well designed chair you will increase their productivity.

Another consideration when designing an effective work space is lighting.  Lighting that flickers or that is too bright or too dim can cause eye strain.  This leads to fatigue, which of course will greatly reduce effectiveness.

When shopping for ergonomic office furniture you will find the largest selection at www.ErgoBack.com.   When you combine our extensive catalog with our low prices, you have an unbeatable combination.  Visit us today to see how we can help your work environment.


About Us

This blog is sponsored by ErgoBack, a company committed to providing ergonomically designed products including chairs and desks for the home/&office. We believe promoting ergonomic health in people's everyday lives is an important part of keeping individuals happy and healthy. Visit our online store at www.ErgoBack.com for the best deals on ergonomic chairs, desk, computer stations, and more.





Why Use an Ergonomic Mouse?

Using the computer and surfing on the internet is now a necessity in many jobs, as well as being a great way to spend time, research, or get the news. However, many commonly used software programs, especially web browsers, make extensive use of mice as a primary means of data input.  This has lead to many people suffering from repetitive stress injuries caused by the unnatural positioning of the wrist while using these devices.  The solution is to use an ergonomic computer mouse that is designed to be used with a more natural wrist and hand position. These encourage the user to move their arm, rather than just twisting or turning the wrist, avoiding repetitive stress injuries.

There are many designs for an ergonomic mouse on the market today.  These include simple variations of the traditional design that do not cramp the hand or require the wrist to be bent at awkward angles.  Other designs are more unusual, but while they may look odd, your hand will appreciate the decreased stress.

Another device that can be used to replace the mice in your office is the track ball.  Many people find these to be easier to use for prolonged periods of time. Each solution takes some time to become accustomed to the new device, as many people click a certain way out of habit, but once you are used to the position of the buttons, it is a very quick transition.

Some people think that by simply switching to an ergonomic mouse they can avoid carpal tunnel system.  It may also be necessary to change the location of the device.  Many people use their mice on top of their desks.  This is often too high a position.  A better solution is to move the mouse, if there is enough space, to the keyboard tray next to the keyboard.

Another way to reduce the stress on your wrist is with an ergonomic mouse pad.  This device commonly has a padded support for you to rest your wrist on.  Some of the wrist supports are even designed to move around to allow complete freedom of movement by the arm. This prevents the wrist from having to move unnaturally, or from repeatedly making the same motions.




The best selection for anyone looking for an ergonomic computer mouse can be found online at www.ErgoBack.com.  Come browse through our extensive catalog to see the products that we have to make your workplace a little less stressful.



About Us

This blog is sponsored by ErgoBack, a company committed to providing ergonomically designed products including chairs and desks for the home/&office. We believe promoting ergonomic health in people's everyday lives is an important part of keeping individuals happy and healthy. Visit our online store at www.ErgoBack.com for the best deals on ergonomic chairs, desk, computer stations, and more.



What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?



As more and more workplaces require computers, more and more workers need to type regularly as part of their jobs. Along with this increased use of technology, new designs in workstations and office furniture and equipment have followed. An ergonomic computer keyboard has been designed to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.  Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the wrist compresses, resulting in pain and weakness in the hands.  It can be caused by repetitive and awkward positioning of the wrists.  Working at a computer has been shown to cause carpal tunnel syndrome.  This is because the wrists are often held at an awkward angle for a prolonged period of time during typing.  Repetitive stress injuries can also occur, from repeated movements and twists of the wrists during typing. Even the smallest movements can cause strain over a period of time.

By keeping the wrists straight during typing, one can reduce the strain that causes carpal tunnel syndrome.  This restricts movement to the fingers, and causes the hands to do less work. This is of great benefit to anyone wanting to maintain a high level of productivity.  It also reduces the need for the many creams and other products which are marketed to sooth aching wrists and joints from a day of work. Working in an office should be a safe place to work.

There are several styles of the ergonomic computer keyboard available on the market today.  Microsoft produces a popular design that arranges the keys in a v shape in order to keep the wrists straight.  More exotic designs can involve curved surfaces in all three dimensions.  There are even devices that resemble a ball with a QWERTY style layout wrapped around it.

It can take some time to get used to an ergonomic computer keyboard.  At first, it may not seem natural to use one of these new designs.  This may temporarily lower productivity. However, after a period of time, you will find that you are able to continue working comfortably at it for longer that you would be able to at a traditional layout.

So if you are looking to improve your office working environment, and even want a difficult to find black ergonomic keyboard to match your decor, be sure to visit www.ErgoBack.com.   We have a variety of products to make your office a healthy and efficient place.



About Us

This blog is sponsored by ErgoBack, a company committed to providing ergonomically designed products including chairs and desks for the home/&office. We believe promoting ergonomic health in people's everyday lives is an important part of keeping individuals happy and healthy. Visit our online store at www.ErgoBack.com for the best deals on ergonomic chairs, desk, computer stations, and more.

Carpal Tunnel and Your Computer Keyboard



Many people spend hours every day typing on their computers while working or at home.  This can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.  Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury where the median nerve in the wrist is compressed.  This leads to the sensation of tingling and pain in the hand, and can also cause weakness in the hand.  The wrist positions that people use while typing can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.  This is obviously a problem, as evidenced by the number of creams on the market to treat people’s sore wrists. As a solution, several companies have developed an ergonomic keyboard that causes the typist to hold their hands in a more natural position, preventing stress injuries.

There are a number of different designs, and perhaps the most famous ergonomic keyboard design is the one marketed by Microsoft.  Here the keys are split up into two groupings, one for each hand.  These are angled so that they form a v shape.  This angle allows the typist to keep their wrists straight in relation to their arms, making typing for prolonged periods more comfortable. Obviously this arrangement can slow typing speed while the typist becomes accustomed to the shape, the end result will be a more efficient and more comfortable worker, as sore wrists can slow typing as well as being painful.

Another type of computer equipment that were found to cause repetitive stress injuries are mice. These can be very useful, especially while web-browsing, or just in day to day formation of spreadsheets or using design software. However, the angle that the wrist naturally twists at to use this convenience is unnatural. The solution was the design of an ergonomic keyboard mouse.  These also serve to adjust the wrist position so that it remains in line with the arm, making it less likely for the wrist to move or twist. Using a mouse once or twice may not seem like your wrist moves enough to be injured, but the same motion repeated can cause injury to the nerves, making it impossible to work until the wrist has healed.

If you spend the majority of your day working at a computer, you might want to consider purchasing an ergonomic keyboard. Visit us online at www.ErgoBack.com to see our selection of computer equipment that can make your job easier and increase your productivity.


About Us

This blog is sponsored by ErgoBack, a company committed to providing ergonomically designed products including chairs and desks for the home/&office. We believe promoting ergonomic health in people's everyday lives is an important part of keeping individuals happy and healthy. Visit our online store at www.ErgoBack.com for the best deals on ergonomic chairs, desk, computer stations, and more.

Kneeling ergonomic stool design arose in Norway in the 1970’s




Many jobs nowadays require a lot of sitting and standing in one place, as well as a lot of repeated motions, such as typing at a computer. This can cause unexpected injuries to office workers, who do not always realize that their comfortable job could cause them to injure their back or joints. Ergonomic office equipment is designed to reduce the potential for injury caused by repetitive or awkward positioning.  It can consist of everything from chairs that support the back properly, to keyboards and keyboard trays that prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, or to lighting that is easier on the eyes by reducing glare.  The first piece of furniture that gained recognition in this field is the ergonomic stool.  These put the users in a kneeling position that shifted the hips forward.  By doing so, they reduced the stress on the lower spine. This allows people to sit for prolonged periods without damaging their back.

The design of the kneeling ergonomic stool arose in Norway in the 1970’s.  It appeared in North America in the next decade, and new and more precise developments have been coming out in these items of furniture and others. By increasing the angle between the thigh and the back, they encourage better posture and reduce strain on the muscles of the lower back. These pieces of furniture can appear odd or confusing, but at the end of the day, the result will be a healthier spine and a comfortable back.

Many office chairs are now considered ergonomic.  However, they still generally do not prevent slouching, which can lead to bad posture and back pain. While many people think they already sit with proper posture, a lot of seats actually are more comfortable to slouch or slump in than to sit properly in. As well, a long day in a chair can cause people to stop paying attention to sitting properly. A well designed chair or other seat will encourage good posture and lead to a stronger back, which will allow people to work more efficiently and reduce the need for days off work due to lower back injuries.

When you visit www.ErgoBack.com, be sure to check out our wide selection of ergonomic seating.  From chairs to more exotic seating arrangements, we have the solutions for your office design.   Look through our catalog for other products to help make your workplace a healthier place.


About Us

This blog is sponsored by ErgoBack, a company committed to providing ergonomically designed products including chairs and desks for the home/&office. We believe promoting ergonomic health in people's everyday lives is an important part of keeping individuals happy and healthy. Visit our online store at www.ErgoBack.com for the best deals on ergonomic chairs, desk, computer stations, and more.

Ergonomic Office Seating



Today our economy has been described as knowledge based.  A large percentage of the workforce spends most of their time sitting at a desk in front of a computer.  Combine this with the sitting most of us do in our free time, either in the car or in front of the television, or at computers at home, and this means that we place a lot of stress on our lower backs.  Our bodies are not designed to sit for 8 – 10 hours a day, and doing so can potentially cause injuries. By using ergonomic seating in workplaces, we can reduce the amount of stress on our bodies.  This will keep us healthier and more productive, and reduce potential injuries.

Ergonomic office seating comes in a wide variety of styles and prices to match any office needs. These can be a good addition to a well designed workstation, and allow workers to be more comfortable while working. When one thinks of ergonomic seating, one often thinks of the kneeling stools.  These were the first type to get widely noticed.  Today, this description is applied to many more modern chairs, which are available in a variety of styles. These provide varying amounts of support.

There are some considerations that one should take into account when looking for ergonomic office seating.  You should choose a chair that is properly sized for the user.  A good rule of thumb is that the height of the chair seat should be one quarter the height of the user.  Of course, not everyone has the same body shape, so this rule is not necessarily hard and fast.  A more convenient solution might be to get an adjustable chair that the user can set to the correct height. This is more useful for an office where multiple people might share a workstation, or for conference room chairs. Another feature you should be looking for is adjustable arm rests.  Obviously arm rests are not suitable for all applications, but they are a good idea for anyone working at a computer.  By choosing adjustable arm rests, you allow them to be set to the correct height for whoever is sitting in the chair.

When you are in the market for ergonomic seating, be sure to check out www.ErgoBack.com.  We have a large selection of chairs, workstations and other office furnishing that are designed with your health and safety in mind. These can be an asset to any well designed office.


About Us

This blog is sponsored by ErgoBack, a company committed to providing ergonomically designed products including chairs and desks for the home/&office. We believe promoting ergonomic health in people's everyday lives is an important part of keeping individuals happy and healthy. Visit our online store at www.ErgoBack.com for the best deals on ergonomic chairs, desk, computer stations, and more.

Monday, April 14, 2014

There’s a new, supposedly ergonomic 3D printing pen on the block


Using the 3Doodler left my hand achy and tired. The Dim3W has a
slimmer profile, which could make it significantly easier to use.



3D printing pens offer a quick, fun, no-experience-necessary entry into
the world of 3D printing. But, so far, using them has been a pain. Literally.
Testing the 3Doodler pen last year left my hand aching. It’s just difficult
to pack that much hardware into a pen-like shape that fits comfortably
in the human hand.
Texas 3D printer maker Dim3printing says that it has finally created an
ergonomic alternative. The Dim3W, which will ship to distributors and
resellers in March, appears to be slimmer in shape, which would be a
relief compared to the chunky 3Doodler.


It’s not yet clear where the extrude button is located. That was another major flaw of the 3Doodler, which had buttons located far too close to its tip. Dim3printing also states that the Dim3W does not have a cooling fan, which cuts out the worst of the noise a 3D printing pen can produce. But it makes me wonder if the pen could get hot to touch.
The actual quality of the printed product doesn’t appear to be any better than the 3Doodler. It will still be a learned skill to work with the pen.
The Dim3W still works with ABS and PLA plastic, which means fumes and an unpleasant plastic smell are still unavoidable. The pen will sell for $99.99 and be available in four colors.
“We believe that the best way to get ourselves educated with 3D printing and digitized manufacturing is to start with enjoyable playing experiences,” director Bin Hu said in a statement posted on the company’s website.
3Doodler’s big advantage over Dim3printing is its community. The company has done a nice job of curating projects and posting tutorials for its users. Then again, there is nothing stopping Dim3W users from just heading over to the 3Doodler website for project ideas.







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About Us

This blog is sponsored by ErgoBack, a company committed to providing ergonomically designed products including chairs and desks for the home/&office. We believe promoting ergonomic health in people's everyday lives is an important part of keeping individuals happy and healthy. Visit our online store at www.ErgoBack.com for the best deals on ergonomic chairs, desk, computer stations, and more.