Ergonomic Interior Design

Introduction

Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the
understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that
applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and
overall system performance. One of the major factors influencing the importance of sustainable interior
design lies in the relationship between human beings and the environment. The consumption of
resources is also a factor that is contributing to imbalances in the environment. As a result of the
widespread concern for the depletion of resources and human disregard for the environment, the
concept of sustainable development in ergonomic interior design has gained popularity worldwide. In
the U.S. alone, comprising 6% of the world’s population, the consumption of world's energy is 25%.The
basic objectives of sustainability are to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, minimize
wastage, and create healthy, productive environments offering energy efficient windows, natural light,
using hard floor surfaces, Non-toxic furniture, fabrics, Non-toxic cleaning products, appliances, Passive
solar energy design, home insulation products, Light sensors that turn off electric lights when not in use,
Low energy lighting fixtures, Energy star appliances, Non-toxic finishes & paints and recycled material
content.

Task

By the end of this unit, students should be able to design an ergonomic living space/dream room for a real chosen client using Google Sketchup.

Process

Refer to the links below and answer the following questions:-

http://www.indesignlive.com/category/articles/products/furniture
http://www.indesignlive.com/category/articles/products/lighting

a) Study the latest trends in lighting and their impact on the living/office spaces.
b) Study the latest trends in furniture and their impact on the living/office spaces.
c) Name at least 2 products that can help build sustainability and can be recycled.
d) Specify 5 major factors that can lead to an improved ergonomic design? State reasons for your
answer?

Draw a comparative analysis between a room ergonomically designed and a room without ergonomic advancement. Analysis could be in terms of savings, effectiveness and various other factors related to ergonomics.
On the basis of requirements identified from the client, sketch at least two different designs of
room for the client. The designs could be hand drawn or can be created using any software of your
choice. Consider the following designs for inspiration:

https://goo.gl/images/Xxpg6r

https://goo.gl/images/BqHZNT

Create the room design chosen by the client using Google Sketch Up. Use the following links to gain more hands on experience with Google Sketchup.

Evaluation

CATEGORY	Exceeds Expectations (5)	Meets Expectations (4)	Fair (3-2)	Below Expectations (1-0)
Ten questions to determine clients needs	All questions are designed to determine clients needs.	Questions are complete. Most are designed to understand clients needs.	Most questions are designed to understand clients needs.	Questions are incomplete and do not determine clients needs.
Required Elements	The poster includes all required elements as well as additional information.	All required elements are included on the poster.	All but 1 of the required elements are included on the poster.	Several required elements were missing.
Attractiveness	The poster is exceptionally attractive in terms of design, layout, and neatness.	The poster is attractive in terms of design, layout and neatness.	The poster is acceptably attractive though it may be a bit messy.	The poster is distractingly messy or very poorly designed. It is not attractive.
Content - Accuracy	All information is accurately displayed on the poster.	Most information is displayed on the poster.	Some information is displayed on the poster.	Information displayed on poster is inaccurate.
Use of Class Time	Used time well during each class period. Focused on getting the project done. Never distracted others.	Used time well during each class period. Usually focused on getting the project done and never distracted others.	Used some of the time well during each class period. There was some focus on getting the project done but occasionally distracted others.	Did not use class time to focus on the project OR often distracted others.
Budget	Design came in under budget.	Design came close to budget.	Design was over by 1,000 dollars.	Design was off by 1,000 or more.

Conclusion

At the end of the lesson, you must reflect on your learning using the below pointers:

i. The strengths of the room.
ii. The improvements that could further enhance the look of the room
iii. What are the changes that you intend to bring about the next time you design such a room?
iv. Compare your room with the design specifications and comment on whether your room meets
the design specifications? If not, give reasons.

Credits

Hello, my name is Shelly Sachdev. I am MYP and DP Design and ICT teacher and I have created this webquest to challenge students with their design skills by creating a dream room for a real client using Google Sketchup.