Kai Olsen (1) and Knut Inge Fostervold (2)

(1)     Storbyavdelingen, Oslo kommune, Norway

Kai.olsen@sby.oslo.kommune.no

(2)     Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway

k.i.Fostervold@psykologi.uio.no

Ergonomics is a multidisciplinary field and as a natural consequence, experts from many professions are working with tasks and problems that may be termed ergonomics. When attending ergonomic conferences one may encounter participants who feel they not fully grasp the entire concept of ergonomics. Also, within the Nordic countries there are different approaches to ergonomics and the different fields that make up ergonomics  is often emphasized differently between the countries.

With this in mind, this session is an introduction to ergonomics as defined by the International Ergonomics Association. The three main branches within ergonomics will be elaborated upon.

These are physical ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics and organizational ergonomics.

In addition to the fields defined by IEA we will present some current developments within the field. Two new terms that are starting to appear in the literature will be presented. These are neuro-ergonomics and evolutionary ergonomics.

Neuro-ergonomics is seeking to go beyond perception in terms of interacting with the surroundings, and looks at the meaning of perceptual trace with regards to human-machine interaction. Evolutionary ergonomics is presented as a framework that seeks to understand why humans are prone to develop some diseases, injuries and commit errors and not others.

There will be substantial time for discussion in this session.

An introduction to ergonomics