A design method for product safety

Abstract

The Product Safety Method is a method to detect and solve product safety problems. It consists of two parts, analysis and synthesis. The analysis can be used to evaluate products on their safety, by gaining insight into possible accidents with the product and into critical factors connected with either the product, the actions of the user or environmental conditions. The synthesis offers a structured list of solution strategies for the generation of effective solutions to the detected safety problems. The method may be used by both ergonomists and product designers. In conclusion problems in determining the usability and effectiveness of the method are discussed as well as how to adapt the method to fit the world of professional design practice.

Design for human safety in manufacturing systems: applications of design theories, methodologies, tools and techniques

“…This procedure proposes to use existing safety analysis methods, but it does not specify which of these should be used to identify hazards or to evaluate risks. Schoone-Harmsen (1990) proposed a design method to support the designer when designing products that are safe(r) to use, but it can also be an aid for the ergonomist when analysing the use of a product. This method has four steps: (1) analysis of the problem (defining the product's use and possible hazardous situations); (2) identification of critical factors (identifying factors that are critical in causing accidents); (3) synthesis, finding the solution (developing risk control measures that act on critical factors) and (4) evaluation of the effectiveness of the solutions.…”

Designing a New Ergonomic Student Backpack

“…Based on resources, excessive backpack weight [8] and individual user characteristics such as more than 12 years of age and female gender also increase the chance of damage caused by backpack load. Neglecting the factors such as comfort, loss of leg muscle pressure, proper weight distribution at the foot, improvement of proper lumbar position to prevent musculoskeletal disorders are due to improper use of a backpack, which should be given more attention [24]. Therefore, this study considers the design of a backpack with ergonomic and artistic criteria for female students.…”