Developing and validating theory in ergonomics science |
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Authors: | Gabriel García-Acosta Martha Helena Saravia Pinilla Paulo Andrés Romero Larrahondo Karen Lange Morales |
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Affiliation: | 1. School of Industrial Design , Universidad Nacional de Colombia , Carrera 30 c/calle 45 , Bogota , Colombia;2. Centre de Disseny d'Equips Industrials, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya , C. Llorens Artigas, 4, Planta 0, Edifici U, Parc Tecnològic de Barcelona , 08028, Barcelona , Spain ggarciaa@unal.edu.co;4. Design Department , Pontificia Universidad Javeriana , Carrera 7 # 40-42, Bogota , Colombia;5. School of Industrial Design , Universidad Nacional de Colombia , Carrera 30 c/calle 45 , Bogota , Colombia;6. Institute of Ergonomics , Technische Universit?t Darmstadt , Petersenstrasse 30, 64287 , Darmstadt |
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Abstract: | This article conceptualises a new multidisciplinary field by establishing the elements of an ‘ergonomic system’ (human beings, physical space and object/machine) and defining the term ‘surroundings’ (PESTE factors) while emphasising the ecological aspects of human activities. The definition of ergoecology is explained by an etymological analysis of the names of the contributing disciplines (ergonomics and ecology). The new multidiscipline combines and extends the scope of the two foundational disciplines using new principles, notions and concepts, such as ‘built environment’, ‘surroundings’, ‘ergoecology’, ‘ecoefficiency’ and ‘ecoproductivity’. The aim of ergoecology is to provide tools for confronting twenty-first century challenges. In line with the sustainability movement, we believe in the importance of using ecologic and ergonomic perspectives (in their broadest sense) to develop action aimed towards environmental preservation and the development of sustainable products, processes and service designs. |
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Keywords: | ergonomic system ergonomics ecology ergoecology ecoefficiency ecoproductivity |
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