Categorie: Ergonomics

Ergonomics

Products are often meant to be used by people. Therefore it is desirable that the products are also designed for people, more specific: for a particular target group. This involves physical ergonomics; ensuring the right dimensions of the product. But also cognitive ergonomics, the product should communicate how it has to be used in a way that its target group understands it without a manual. For this purpose I use scientific data and sometimes user and usage research. Featured projects are displayed aside.

the:dikkie

Sailing helmet “the:dikkie” is is a light weight carbon helmet with a lined EPS shell on the inside. The used materials are durable and can withstand the harsh conditions at sea. As it was designed for offshore sailing, it has an open structure to accommodate as much ventilation as possible. It has an optional visor to prevent spray water from getting in the face of the sailor. The shape covers the most vulnerable parts to prevent the sailor from being knocked out. This helmet was developed together with Jules Dock

Watercycle

For an Amsterdam based company together with Jules Dock Composites we designed and developed a new type of composite watercycle with a more efficient propellor in stead of a paddle wheel. Other limitations were the limited space due to regulation, stability and the user experience within the boat. The boat had to be operated by two people with room for up to 4 persons and 2 children. They should have a comfy and social experience while enjoying the views of the Amsterdam waters. The chairs were adjustable to fit children as well as adults.

Fastest Swimsuit

This project was initiated by InnosportNL as a result of the changing regulations in swimming. Up to then, swimmers often used the so called ‘sharkskin’ suits that covered the whole body. The aim for this project was to get a grip on what properties of this suit were causing the improved performance, how we could select new suits on the markets for the best performance and ultimately design a new suit.

In cooperation with the VU Amsterdam and the TU Delft I performed the research at Innosportlab Tongelreep. For this purpose I designed a few test-setups and made use of a 3D scanner to scan the swimmers in their suit. The results were presented in a paper. After the research I designed personalized suits for the top-athletes. Unfortunately due to technical difficulties it was not finished in time.

The paper can be read here