Question

Discuss the ergonomic challenges presented by the design of portable computers.

Answer 1

Ergonomics is the study aiming to design things or equipment to help people improving their working with the devices such as computers,laptops,tablets and many more,also to make their work be efficient.

Now talking about portable computers I would like to discuss about laptops(which are modern portable computers) facing ergonomic challenges and also how to improve them accordingly.

Ergonomic challenges faced by laptops:

1. The screen/monitor and keyboard of laptop has serious problems regarding that the keyboard position is much high to appropriately place our wrists and arms or if keyboard position problem is resolved then another problem is that the screen is much low or too close which apparently gives us body pain.
2. It seems virtually impossible to properly adjust the keyboard and screen height independent of each other,because as stated in previous point if keyboard is adjusted properly in correct position then the monitor position gives problem.
3. Touch pad in the laptop are not good for our wrists or hands.
4. If the user of laptop by the name itself,if we place it in our lap then neck or back pain will surely be the result of it.
5. Straining in our eyes is also one of the challenges presented by the laptop during excessive working hours.

Well we can't help but accept the fact that the laptops were designed to be portable everywhere and hence the portability was the feature which is in mind of designer and not to look for what's good for our back,neck and wrists.But we can actually minimize these problems by some of the techniques:

1)Usage of external keyboard:

During your full pack schedule of work with the laptop off course,you can make use of external keyboard and properly place it at the position which will nullify your shoulder and arms pain and offers you a relaxed position to sit and work.You could place your elbow in right angle position while typing something in the keyboard,place the external keyboard on a tray or at the position below the desk in which you keep your laptop to help your wrists be in a flat position.

2)Usage of bigger screen:

This method is applicable only if possible to the user of the system.You could get the biggest monitor/screen possible as per your daily work and usage to avoid strain in your eyes while looking at the texts visible on your small screen.However you can also increase your font size but with increased screen will provide you much better help.

3)Usage of separate external mouse:

You could better use external mouse rather than the touch pad provided by the laptop in order to help our wrists.Keep the mouse in such a position that it is near to your body and also keep your wrists flat.This is very useful method for the people with the wrist pain which gives them relief.

4)Optimum brightness of your screen/monitor:

This method will help you a lot from straining of the eyes.Suppose you have a hectic schedule and have to work on laptop for more hours then it is suggested to keep minimum brightness on the screen and help your eyes.This will also help you if you have head pain or migraine after your busy schedule.

4)Rest and scheduled break:

Fix your schedule and take appropriate break like for say half an hour which will make your eyes relax and stay away from the screen over that period.You can also do some simple stretches while working like stretching your neck,shoulder and arms.If possible take a break after one hour or two hours of your work to get your blood flow and also the movement of your muscles.

Hope this helps!