News

08 Nov, 13

The Human Exo-skeleton…coming soon?

While cruising Netflix for something decent to watch with my teens, I came across a “TED Talk” on the topic of exoskeletons. (See http://www.ted.com/talks/eythor_bender_demos_human_exoskeletons.html). Researcher Eythor Bender of Berkeley Bionics presented the technology behind a robotic suit, that has been developed for military and adaptive purposes. A soldier appeared on stage to demonstrate how he […]
Read more
10 Jun, 13

Touchscreen PCs

With new technology presented to us on almost a daily basis, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to keep up. We’ve evolved from the days of dial-up internet and brick-sized cell phones to our current hi-speed tablet and sleek smartphone world. There’s a shortcut and app for just about everything. The way we interact with our […]
Read more

Ergonomics and Work System Design – May 24 Webinar Highlights

Studies show that the longer a company waits to implement ergonomic interventions, the more costly it becomes (Miles & Swift, 1998). By 20% of the way into the design process, typically 80% of the resources have been allocated; trying to influence a design at this stage is more difficult and more expensive. (But not as […]
Read more

MIN Summit Keynote – Ray Tanguay

On May 1, 2013, our team had the opportunity to attend the Manufacturing Innovation Network (MIN) Summit in Kitchener, Ontario. The keynote speaker, Ray Tanguay, (Chairman, Toyota Canada Inc.) discussed the importance of investing in innovation, steps Canadian businesses should be taking to compete in the market, and how to sustain a successful business by applying […]
Read more

Designing for “Joe Average”

If we design for the “average person”, we’ve covered our bases right? The average person would theoretically have average-sized arms, hands, legs, and feet, so one might think that we should be able to accommodate most people by designing for the average. Unfortunately it’s not that simple. Design for average typically leaves those at the extremes […]
Read more
29 Apr, 13

1000 words – photography and ergonomics

As “seasoned” ergonomists, we have been using digital cameras for years – our first digital camera, purchased in 1995, cost $1500, took grainy black and white photos, had a non-replaceable battery, internal (only) memory, and held a  maximum of 20 photos. And yet, we were ecstatic to be able to put photos directly into our […]
Read more
22 Apr, 13

Thoughts of summer…planning for heat stress season

Winter has finally left us in peace! Our minds are drifting to summer barbeques, beaches, and the fact that we won’t have to haul around a bulky jacket! It’s still only spring – is it too early to think about heat stress? In winter, no one would think twice before gearing up to go outside […]
Read more
Cart
X