A Service Learning Case Study for the Ergonomics Classroom

Abstract

Applications of human factors and ergonomics in the design process have great potential in a service learning setting. During the 2009 and 2010 fall semesters, a national competition for designing work aids for disabled persons was integrated as a service learning term project in a senior level undergraduate course entitled “Human Factors and Ergonomics I.” This project provided students with hands-on experience in applying both engineering skills (based upon the ABET a-k outcomes) and ergonomics principles to designing for special populations. Throughout the semester students worked one-on-one with an assigned disabled client and the client’s vocational aide in applying concepts learned during the course. The project’s objective was to develop an assistive device that would empower their client with disabilities to overcome barriers to employment. This included enabling their clients to perform their jobs with greater ease and efficiency and in some cases with complete independence. In order to encourage a more widespread adoption of service learning within human factors and ergonomics education, this paper describes one application of a service learning project that can be applied across a variety of human factors and ergonomics courses.