Overview
Part I: In our first unit lesson, we discuss the importance of considering human variability in the design process. When designing products such as airplanes, which are used by global populations, variations in overall body size and shape provide a challenge for designers. Please share your thoughts on whether you feel products used in global markets should be achieved by designing for a single variant, or should multiple variants—each targeted at a different market—be considered? Please include an example to support your design decision. (Ergonomics Part)
Part II: Only Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards are legally enforceable in facilities that are regulated by OSHA. However, many of the OSHA standards are severely outdated and can be based on scientific research from the 1970s or earlier. Other organizations, like the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), publish guidelines that are based on more recent scientific research. What are your thoughts on whether a facility should only worry about complying with the OSHA regulations or go beyond compliance and use the stricter requirements of either OSHA regulations or other guidelines? Please include any personal experiences you might have. (Industrial Hygiene Part)