Course Details

Course Information
SemesterCourse Unit CodeCourse Unit TitleT+P+LCreditNumber of ECTS CreditsLast Updated Date
6ARCD116ERGONOMICS IN DESIGN2+1+03509.02.2026

 
Course Details
Language of Instruction English
Level of Course Unit Bachelor's Degree
Department / Program ARCHITECTURE
Type of Program Formal Education
Type of Course Unit Elective
Course Delivery Method Face To Face
Objectives of the Course This course is designed to introduce the principles of ergonomics and anthropometry in product design. Students will explore workplace postures, motions, and universal design considerations to create products that enhance comfort, usability, and efficiency. Through studio-based projects, students will apply ergonomic data and design guidelines to develop human-centered solutions.
Course Content This course provides a comprehensive overview of ergonomics and anthropometry in product design. It introduces the fundamental concepts of ergonomics and the overall course framework, focusing on human body measurements, anthropometric data, percentiles, and range design principles. Approaches to adjustability and parametric thinking are explored as key strategies for creating products that accommodate diverse user groups.

The course further examines ergonomic evaluation methods, including posture and motion analysis, grip and force considerations, repetitive stress, and ergonomic risk factors. Students learn to analyze the impact of these risks on products and usage scenarios through applied coursework and structured discussions.

In the final part of the course, universal design and accessibility principles are addressed alongside user experience considerations. The course concludes with a final project discussion in which students integrate ergonomic data, human-centered design principles, and usability considerations into a cohesive design approach.
Course Methods and Techniques For the delivery of this module, a blend of short lectures and design studio sessions will be used. The theoretical component introduces fundamental concepts of ergonomics, anthropometry, and user-centered design, while the practical component focuses on applying these concepts through studio-based projects.

Students will work in small groups throughout the semester and engage in design processes that involve understanding user needs and usage scenarios as inputs for their projects. Each project follows an iterative design process consisting of research, analysis, concept development, prototyping, testing, and redesign.

A strong emphasis is placed on learning by doing, where students develop full-scale (1:1) physical prototypes and evaluate their design decisions based on ergonomic principles and feedback obtained during the design process. Peer critiques, group discussions, and instructor feedback sessions are integral parts of the learning process.

The methodology encourages students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world design problems in a human-centered design framework.
Prerequisites and co-requisities None
Course Coordinator None
Name of Lecturers Asist Prof.Dr. MEVRA TEMEL CICEK mevra.temelcicek@agu.edu.tr
Assistants None
Work Placement(s) No

Recommended or Required Reading
Resources Pheasant, S. & Haslegrave, C. – Bodyspace: Anthropometry, Ergonomics and Design Panero & Zelnik – Human Dimension & Interior Space Norman, D. – The Design of Everyday Things
Course Notes Bu ders kapsamında, üç boyutlu modelleme programlarından en az birine iyi derecede hâkim olunması gerekmektedir.
Documents 10
Assignments 90
Exams 0

Course Category
Engineering Design %30
Field %70

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Activities are given in detail in the section of "Assessment Methods and Criteria" and "Workload Calculation"

Assessment Methods and Criteria
In-Term Studies Quantity Percentage
Yarıyıl İçi Çalışmalarının Başarı Notunun Katkısı 10 % 50
Yarıl yılSonu Sınavı/Dönem Projesinin Başarı Notuna Katkısı 1 % 10
Ödev 3 % 30
Proje/Çizim 1 % 10
Total
15
% 100

 
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration Total Work Load
Tartışma 13 1 13
Grup Sunumu 4 1 4
Grup Projesi 4 10 40
Jüri 4 2 8
Stüdyo Çalışması 14 3 42
Final Sınavı 1 10 10
Total Work Load   Number of ECTS Credits 5 117

 
Course Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
NoLearning Outcomes
1 Define ergonomics and anthropometric concepts in design.
2 Analyse workplace postures and motions for product fit.
3 Apply ergonomic guidelines to product design.
4 Evaluate design solutions based on usability and comfort.
5 Integrate universal design principles into product development
6  Create  prototypes that respond to user needs and ergonomic data.

 
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
WeekTopicsStudy MaterialsMaterials
1 Introduction to Ergonomics & Course Framework Group formation & user scenarios
2 Anthropometry & Body Measurements Measuring exercises - Studio
3 Percentiles & Range Design Adaptive object research - Studio
4 Adjustability & Parametric Thinking Course work 1 Studio
5 BREAK
6 Ergonomic Evaluation Methods Ergonomic Evaluation Studio
7 Posture & Motion Task analysis - Studio
8 Grip & Force Tool analysis - Studio
9 Repetitive Stress Repetitive work - Studio
10 Ergonomic Risk Course work 2 - Studio
11 Course work 2 - Discussion Course work 2 - Studio
12 Universal Design Empathy mapping - Studio
13 Accessibility Final Project Studio
14 User Experience Final Project Studio
15 Final Project Discussion Final Project Studio

 
Sustainable Development Goals
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P10 P11 P12
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6

  Contribution: 1: Very Slight 2:Slight 3:Moderate 4:Significant 5:Very Significant

  
  https://sis.agu.edu.tr/oibs/bologna/progCourseDetails.aspx?curCourse=79706&lang=en