What is ergonomics?.........

According to Caulton and Dickson (2007, p.93), “ergonomics underpins the ability to constantly make slight invisible adjustments to an activity to adapt to the needs of those taking part and ensure that it continues to work for its intended purpose”.  When reading this quote I understand ergonomics as fitting the individual to suit the needs required to undertake the activity engaged in.  In relation to my activity of cooking, ergonomics is an important factor as it influences my sense of satisfaction after creating a dish. A tidy environment is essential for me when I am creating in the kitchen.  If I approach a messy kitchen my motivation to explore and try new things decreases and I am less likely to feel that great sense of “achievement”!

When I take myself back to last week when I decided to create a new dish. I got into the car at 4pm after a long day studying and felt like a needed a break, I needed to use my brain on something that wasn’t study related. As I was driving home I decided I was going to create “cat spews” a sweet treat a girl at work had given me the recipe for. Yes I know the name doesn’t do much in terms of advertising but believe me these delicious treats taste a million dollars. As I drove home I gathered in my head the ingredients I needed: white chocolate, coconut, cranberries, corn flakes….Check!! I was looking forward to getting home pulling my sleeves up and getting into it UNTILL……I walked in the door and saw that the kitchen was in a mess!! Grrrr immediately I was put off from engaging in this activity. I thought to myself ( I don’t want to waste all my energy on tidying up before cooking). The physical environment is a huge aspect for me to consider when cooking and this is a component of ergonomics.

References:

Caulton, R. & Dickson, R.  (2007).  What’s going on? Finding an explanation for what we do.  In J. Creek & A. Lawson-Porter (Eds.), Contemporary issues in occupational therapy (pp. 87-114).  Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.