Ergonomics in product design: safety factor

The aim of this paper is to give a number of methodological and theoretical indicators concerning the contribution of ergonomists to the execution of design projects of new products. Within the context of a design project, the present work therefore describes the studies and ergonomic analyses that can be undertaken during each phase of the design process from a design model based on concurrent engineering. Encompassing the design of the driving cabin of the new generation of high-speed trains (TGV-NG), this paper, through the ergonomic study of a number of technical sub-systems of this product, illustrates the advisory role of the ergonomist who, within the collective design process, ensures that the specific nature of the ‘‘human factor’’ is fully integrated into the design approach. Thus, throughout the design process, the ergonomist is called upon both to advise the designer on the characteristics of the target users and, on the basis of a ‘‘desirable future activities’’ approach, to help him or her assess the consequences of the design choices made. Ergonomics is described consequently, as an innovation and safety factor. # 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.