Ergonomic Stories I

Could it be possible that Cinderella's mythical shoe only fits her? Is it true that a small girl can intuitively recognize her anthropometric measurements and choose everything in small sizes? Is it possible for a group of 15 cm tall men to lift a giant like Gulliver? Ergonomic Stories I will help you answer some of the enigmas that arise from children's classic stories. It is also intended to help in the professional development of designers, engineers, physicians, occupational psychologists or any other related profession. Through this book you will familiarize yourself with the key concepts that constitute the foundations of ergonomics, including anthropometry, biomechanics, psychology and the organization of work. . Thus, this book gives rise to a new narrative of complex technical aspects, in a simple way. We barely notice the emotional bonds we forge in childhood with classic tales through three carefully selected stories. However, these constitute a common thread with the culture in which we are born and can define a very important part of how we think and how we acquired new knowledge. We might not be conscious of the fact that many of our future learning may have its roots in the stories that were read to us or we read during our childhood. When we are very young we may have taken for granted many of the situations that appear in those stories because they are presented as possible facts. However, as we grow older, doubts appear regarding their truthfulness or plausibility. In this volume you will find informed answers to many of the childhood enigmas while acquiring the fundaments of ergonomics. We first encounter “Cinderella”, here, to expose the application of human dimensions to the design of a product; the enigma of the shoe worn by the protagonist is explained from a biomechanical and anthropometric point of view. Secondly, using the story “Goldilocks”, the author presents a dimensional study of all the accessories that exist in a home and exposes how to select them in order to obtain the maximum comfort and avoid health problems. In the third and last text, based on The First of Gulliver's Travels, the author presents a compendium of all the recommended norms when handling safe loads and explains fundamental aspects of work organization. Victor Manuel Guédez T, is full professor at the Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela, in the areas of manufacturing, production, project methodology and ergonomics. He has studied in Venezuela, Germany and Spain. He has been a teacher and an advisor to multiple companies, directed undergraduate and postgraduate theses and published technical articles in national and international magazines of recognized prestige. He has organized and participated in various conferences in which he has been recognized for his scientific knowledge and his versatility to communicate and teach young and adult audiences. Read more