Fundamentals of ergonomics in theory and practice

In this paper ergonomics is defined as a discipline in its own right, as th e theoretical and fundamental understanding of human behaviour and performa nce in purposeful interacting socio-technical systems, and the application of that understanding to design of interactions in the context of real sett ings. This definition is justified in the financial, technical, legal, orga nisational, social, political and professional contexts in which ergonomist s work. On the basis of the history of ergonomics and contemporary contribu tions, it is proposed that it is one of the modern sciences, drawing as muc h from the field as from the laboratory, and including elements of an art a nd a craft as well. Justification for the new definition is provided by exa mining the interacting systems which are prevalent in the modern world and which are the domain best understood through the holistic approach of ergon omics. Finally a number of challenges for ergonomics are identified. (C) 20 00 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.