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Ergonomics and Industrial Design

Course developer

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to give students knowledge about principles of Beauty in techniques. On the basis of Perception of surrounding environment, Composition principles and requirements of Ergonomics acquire skills to design machines, equipment and interiors. Students learn human anthropological parameters and ergonomic requirements for the construction of things, machines and control levers.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge - master students gain in-depth knowledge of the principles of perception of the human environment. Gains knowledge of compositional principles and ergonomic requirements based on human anthropological characteristics. Assessment of knowledge - tests and defense of individual works.
Skills - master students are able to creatively use the acquired knowledge in the design of interiors and technical devices. Able to evaluate the ergonomics of things and create projects according to ergonomic requirements. Assessment - defense of individual works.

Competence - master students are able to independently critically analyze the design of complex engineering systems, determine their ergonomics. Master's students are able to substantiate the decisions made, integrate the knowledge gained in other fields and study courses in order to develop the design of engineering equipment. Assessment - defense of individual works.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. History of design. Perception of the spatial environment - 2h.
2. Basics of composition, composition categories, properties and qualities - 2h.
3. Composition means, line, accent - 2h.
4. Test on composition categories and means.
5. Proportions and proportioning, proportion, contrast. Gold section - 2h.
6. Abstract composition -2h (Practical work).
7. Theory of Colors - 2h.
8. Artistic construction in technique. Composition analysis of machines and machine tools - 2h.
9. Control panels and consoles, their ergonomic solutions - 2h.
10. Design of the technical device - 4h (Practical work).
11. Interior design - 2h.
12. Interior design project - 2h (Practical work).
13. Basic principles of ergonomics. Human anthropological characteristics - 2h.
14. Work environment ergonomics, microclimate, lighting - 2h.
15. Ergonomic requirements for creating an industrial interior - 2h.
16. Test on ergonomic issues.

17. Design of visual information. Preparation of visual information materials - 2h.

Requirements for awarding credit points

The course ends with a test. In order to pass the test, independent work must be completed and tests must be written. The results of independent work must be presented and defended during practical classes.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

During the independent work students study in depth the topics discussed in the lectures and perform independent work:
1. Independent work: To create an abstract composition according to the conditions of the task.
2. Independent work: To develop an interior solution for one room.
3. Independent work: Design of the Technical device.

4. Independent work: Report on the given topic and its presentation.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The student explains his vision for the solution of independent work and substantiates it from the point of view of composition principles and ergonomic requirements.

Compulsory reading

1. Šusts V. Telpas uztvere un kompozīcija. Rīga: Zvaigzne, 2003. 127 lpp.
2. Loewy R. Industrial Design. New York ; London: Overlook Duckworth, 2007. 256 p.
3. Roja Ž. Ergonomikas pamati. Rīga: Drukātava, 2008. 190 lpp.

4. Ergonomika darbā. Rīga: Labklājības ministrija, 2010. 191 lpp.

Further reading

1. Kundziņš M.. Dabas formu estētika. Bionika un māksla. Rīga: SIA Madris, 2004. 167 lpp.
2. Bürdek B.E. Design: History, Theory and Practice of Product Design. Birkhäuser Basel; 1 edition, 2005, 544 p.

3. Bridger R. S. Introduction to ergonomics. CRC Press, 2008. 776 p.

Periodicals and other sources

Lekcijas un e-studiju materiāli

Notes

The study course is included in the Compulsory part of the Master’s study program “Agricultural Engineering”. 1st study year 1st semester.