How can you design user interfaces that are ergonomically sound?

1 Know your users

The first step to design user interfaces that are ergonomically sound is to understand who your users are, what they need, and how they interact with your product. You can use user research methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, and personas to gather relevant information about your users' characteristics, preferences, goals, and pain points. You can also use analytics tools to measure and analyze user behavior, feedback, and satisfaction.

2 Follow ergonomic standards

The second step to design user interfaces that are ergonomically sound is to follow ergonomic standards and best practices that address the physical and cognitive aspects of user interface design. Some of the common ergonomic standards include ISO 9241, ANSI/HFES 200, and NIOSH. These standards provide recommendations and guidelines on topics such as visual display, keyboard and mouse, touch screen, voice input, navigation, layout, color, contrast, font, icons, feedback, error prevention, and accessibility.

3 Use ergonomic tools

The third step to design user interfaces that are ergonomically sound is to utilize ergonomic tools and techniques that can help you evaluate and improve your user interface design. Checklists are simple and quick tools that can be used to assess whether the user interface meets the basic ergonomic criteria and identify potential issues and areas for improvement. Heuristics are general principles and rules of thumb that can help evaluate the usability and ergonomics of the user interface, as well as find usability problems and violations. Guidelines provide specific instructions and examples that can help design user interface elements and features that are ergonomic and user-friendly. Lastly, prototypes are mockups and simulations of the user interface that can help test and validate the user interface design with real users, while gathering feedback and data on the ergonomic aspects of the user interface.

4 Iterate and optimize

The fourth step to design user interfaces that are ergonomically sound is to iterate and optimize your user interface design based on the results and insights from your ergonomic evaluation and testing. You can use methods such as A/B testing, usability testing, eye tracking, and heat maps to compare and measure the ergonomic performance of different user interface designs and identify the optimal solution. You can also use methods such as user feedback, surveys, reviews, and ratings to monitor and improve the ergonomic satisfaction and loyalty of your users.

5 Keep up with trends

The fifth step to design user interfaces that are ergonomically sound is to keep up with the latest trends and developments in user interface design and technology. User interface design is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant learning and adaptation. You can use sources such as blogs, podcasts, newsletters, magazines, books, courses, and conferences to stay updated and informed about the new and emerging user interface design trends, styles, tools, and techniques. You can also use sources such as social media, forums, communities, and networks to connect and collaborate with other user interface designers and experts and exchange ideas and opinions.

6 Be creative and innovative

The sixth and final step to design user interfaces that are ergonomically sound is to be creative and innovative. Ergonomic design is not only about following standards and guidelines, but also about finding new and better ways to solve user problems and meet user needs. You can use methods such as brainstorming, sketching, wireframing, and prototyping to generate and explore different user interface design concepts and alternatives. You can also use methods such as user feedback, testing, and analytics to refine and optimize your user interface design solutions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?