Usability and aesthetic perception of form: influence on ergonomic design of hand tools

• Grant number: 10/20439-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: May 01, 2011
• End date: January 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Industrial Design
• Principal Investigator: Luis Carlos Pasquarella
• Grantee: Lívia Flávia de Albuquerque Campos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Arquitetura, Artes e Comunicação (FAAC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Ergonomics has an important role in the usability of manual interfaces. Evaluations focus the ability of the musculoskeletal system and on research in relation Technology x User in the level of physical interactions. However, other interactions occur at the level of sensory processes, which are responsible for feelings of comfort, wellness and user identification with the product. This level of interaction has not been included in the analysis of usability. At this level include the aesthetics of form or sensory perception of the object. The aim of this study will conduct an evaluation with simulated activities, with objective data (manual torque fixed) and subjective (perception of comfort, discomfort and aesthetics of form) with Brazilian adults of different genders, ages and two distinct regions (Northeast and Southeast), with the objective of to verify that the aesthetic form of manual interfaces influence feelings of comfort and discomfort in the use of objects and therefore the usability of these products, and understand the influence of other variables that affect the use activities. (AU)