McNeill M, Westby A
Department of Human Sciences, Loughborough University, Leics., UK.
Appl Ergon. 1999 Dec;30(6):565-70. doi: 10.1016/s0003-6870(99)00013-7.
A manually operated machine for chipping cassava was evaluated. Six farmers took part in the study, with physiological, postural, and subjective measurements being taken. Using the machine resulted in drudgery and postural discomfort. Following an iterative design process and using appropriate anthropometric measurements, an improved, adjustable prototype was developed. This was tested with the six farmers and six novice users. It was found to reduce discomfort and physiological strain, allowed a faster work-rate (with novice users) and was preferred by all users. The study demonstrated how ergonomics can play an important role in reducing drudgery and improving user satisfaction in technology development and transfer in developing countries.
对一台用于木薯切片的手动机器进行了评估。六名农民参与了该研究，并进行了生理、姿势和主观测量。使用该机器导致了繁重的劳动和姿势不适。经过反复的设计过程并采用适当的人体测量方法，开发出了一种改进的、可调节的原型。对这六名农民和六名新手用户进行了测试。结果发现，该原型减少了不适感和生理压力，（对新手用户而言）提高了工作速度，并且受到了所有用户的青睐。该研究表明，在发展中国家的技术开发和转让中，人机工程学在减轻繁重劳动和提高用户满意度方面可以发挥重要作用。
