Designing Computer Workstations to Function With Posture Preference
Computers have become a fact of life in almost any environment we find ourselves in today. Whether its work, school, or home the majority of our day is spend in front if a computer screen. For those of us who work with computers on a daily basis, it’s not uncommon to spend a full 8-12 hours a day sitting at the computer plus more once when get home! Obviously, this type of work requires constant changes in posture and position in order to stay focused and comfortable to work effectively and efficiently.
Having an understanding of how customers use product gives manufacturers of computer workstations a huge advantage. Five postures you will likely see in any workplace environment are described in detail below. Design and advertising of computer workstations can become more informed and better executed through the information listed below.
Posture #1 – Reclined sitting. The reclined sitting posture tilts the torso between 105 to 120 degrees. This is a comfortable position as long as the user doesn’t have back problems. To help achieve maximum comfort, users should use a foot rest to relieve pressure built up under the knees. Having the ability to adjust all contact points is vital to finding maximum comfort in this sitting position.
Posture #2 – Upright sitting. Upright sitting puts maximum verticality to all body points; including torso, neck, thighs and lower leg. A footrest is necessary if your feet do not touch the ground. Back pain is best treated in this upright sitting position. The ability to adjust is once again vital to the users overall enjoyment and usability of the posture.
Position #3 – Declined sitting. In this position the torso remains vertical but the legs rest at an angle below horizontal and greater than 90 degrees. This is a useful position if you get up and down from the workstation frequently.
Posture #4 – Standing. When standing, the entire body is in vertical alignment. Normally, when a standing workstation is in use, the user needs to move and change posture frequently. An optimal range of motion is necessary with any of the adjustable standing workstations available today. Some of the better equipped stations are connected directly to power which makes adjusting much easier.
Posture # 5 – Sit / Stand With an upright work stool the user can adopt a semi seated posture when standing becomes uncomfortable. There are many excellent stools available through Ergonomic Furniture Retailers. A stool should not be difficult to get on and off of. There are some chair manufacturers that simply take their low chairs and mount them on a taller stem, this is a design fallacy.
You are now fully aware of the plethora of postures taken while using computer workstations at work or at home. Understanding that many postures are used during the course of a day, it makes sense that workstation manufacturers make product that accounts for such. The truth is that most products are not designed this way and function solely around the upright sit posture. We all know that some postures are more comfortable and others more productive but quality design considers all postures as potentially used.
For more information on how you can use ergonomic design design to make the most out of your products visit ErgonomicDesigner.com and contact Bryan Dressler today!