In 1949, ten scientists of differing backgrounds got together and formed a research group to study humans at work.  Sixty years on, and the Ergonomics Society now represents nearly 1500 researchers and practitioners working in fields as diverse as transport, medicine, nuclear power, defence, and consumer product design.  What was originally the study of work has become designing for the real world – making things better through usability to improve safety, efficiency and satisfaction at home and at work.

Ergonomics – also known as human factors or human-centred design – seeks to match the task or equipment to the user, rather than the other way round, and broadly covers three main disciplines: physical ergonomics (how the body works), psychological ergonomics (how the mind works), and organisational ergonomics (how companies and societies work).  In this exhibition, you will see examples of each, from everyday consumer products through to more complex, safety-critical systems.  As one of the strengths of ergonomics is the crossover between disciplines, you will see elements of physical, psychological, and organisational ergonomics in every example – and, indeed, in the world around you.

Ergonomics – Real Design celebrates 60 years of ergonomics in the UK by looking at the design process for a range of contemporary products through the eyes of an ergonomist.