Whether you are a fashion designer, lawyer, or a graduate student, it is important to create a comfortable work environment, both for the physical body and the mind, in order to become more efficient and productive in the work you do. The following are pictures of a graduate student's computer work station, more specifically, my work environment. Let's take a close look at my work environment and examine how ergonomics friendly it is.
This is an overall picture of where I frequently use my laptop. I used to take it on trips to the library and classrooms, but, due to its current illness of “blanking out when completely folded”, it is a bit risky to travel these days. Therefore, it is more restricted to this setting.
The bookshelf seems to be chaotic with a lot of things, but, there is actually a system in place. The first floor is arranged with items I use more frequently (on a daily basis) and as it moves on up to the second and third floor, the items are used on a less frequent basis. The first floor (eye level when standing up) consists of textbooks I am using for the semester, supplies (ex. tape, stapler, staple remover, white out), and books/movies I have borrowed from the local library. The second floor (within arm reach) has picture albums, frames, cds, and a mini clock. Lastly, the third floor (need to stand on my chair to get the items) consists of the previous semesters’ books, binders, and some snacks (ex. the bag of Doritos). I decided to arrange the items in this manner because it is convenient and also to avoid engaging in strenuous physical activities as I reach for an item that I use on a daily basis.
Let’s take a closer look at my desk. I have papers(things I need to do), large supplies (ex. 3 hole puncher, electric sharpener), pencil holder, post its, laptop, wireless mouse, external hard drive, bag of goldfish, cup of water, candy, cellphone, and a home phone. On the wall, I have several post its with reminders. Right behind the home phone, I have a long set of purple post its with a list of numbers for friends who live on campus. Whenever the phone rings, I have to stretch my right arm out to reach for the phones. Since I need to do my work on my desk, I try to keep my desk free of clutter or piling up with things.
As you can see, I don’t have a document holder, and therefore, I am in constant motion of looking down and looking up, which is straining both my neck and eyes. When I am sitting in front of the computer and doing work for hours and hours, I take off my contact lense and put on my glasses because my eyes get tired very quickly. That’s when I resort to reading papers on my comfy bed.
As I engage in my daily work, I am usually sitting with my back touching the back of the chair, but, my feet are not placed nicely on the floor. Instead, I am sitting with both knees close to my chest as if I am about to do a cannon ball in the swimming pool. Or, I have my right knee propped up with my right arm resting on it, while my left leg is sitting in a criss cross apple sauce position by itself. I know~ it sounds odd, but, it is comfortable.
As I use my laptop, I feel this pressure on my shoulders and this awkward curvature positioning of my hands as I type away. I prefer to use my wireless mouse (instead of the one on the laptop) and as I scroll away with my middle finger, it feels a bit odd because the middle one is the only one that I am moving back and forth.
I have thrown in this picture on purpose to show you the more ergonomics friendly environment. This was actually my cubicle in my previous work. What do you notice? The chair is very comfortable with a curvature for the back and arm rests, along with wheels on the bottom to move easily around the work area. The monitor is centered with an ergonomic friendly keyboard and a wireless mouse. The phone is positioned at very close reach. There is a recycle and trash bin underneath the desk. The copier/fax machine is not visible in the picture, but, it is placed on top of the desk.
By the way, ergon and nomos are Greek words for work and natural laws, thus, when combined creates ergonomics.
