ergonomics

noun

Etymology: From ergo- (prefix indicating work) + -nomics (suffix indicating the rules of a discipline), probably modelled after Polish ergonomia (“ergonomics”) (used by Polish scientist Wojciech Jastrzębowski (1799–1882) in an 1857 article), from Ancient Greek ἔργον (érgon, “work”) + νόμος (nómos, “custom; law, ordinance”). The English word is widely regarded as having been introduced by British psychologist K. F. Hywel Murrell at a meeting at the Admiralty in London in July 1949, which led to the establishment of the Ergonomics Research Society (now The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors) on 17 September 1949.

1. The science of the design of equipment, especially so as to reduce operator fatigue, discomfort and injury.

   “Ergonomics is increasingly important in office-product design.”

   “Ergonomics, deriving from the Greek word "ergon" work is now mainly considered to mean "the science of designing machines and environments that are most suited to the efficiency, comfort, safety and peace of mind of those working with them" (see Armbruster, 1983). […] Ergonomics goes beyond the prevention of health hazards, it aims to optimize the coexistence between people and technology within the working environment. […] In the broad sense of the word, ergonomics includes all the physical, social, and psychological aspects of work and workplace design.”

2. Political economy.

   “As the titlepage of this latter portion of his work indicates, M. Courcelle Seneuil confines himself to political economy considered as a practical science, or, as he chooses to call it, to ergonomics.”