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Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.

The word "ergonomics" derives from the Greek ergon (work) and nomos (laws) to denote the science of work. Ergonomists contribute to the design and evaluation of tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people (this official definition has been adopted by the IEA Council in August 2000).

Domains of specialization

Ergonomics is a systems-oriented discipline which now extends across all aspects of human activity. Ergonomics promotes a holistic approach in which considerations of physical, cognitive, social, organizational, environmental and other relevant factors are taken into account. Practicing ergonomists must have a broad understanding of the full scope of the discipline. Ergonomists often work in particular economic sectors or application domains. Application domains are not mutually exclusive and they evolve constantly; new ones are created and old ones take on new perspectives.

There exist domains of specialization within the discipline, which represent deeper competencies in specific human attributes or characteristics of human interaction. Domains of specialization within the discipline of ergonomics are broadly the following:

Physical ergonomics is concerned with human anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity. (Relevant topics include working postures, materials handling, repetitive movements, work related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety and health.)

Cognitive ergonomics is concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system. (Relevant topics include mental workload, decision-making, skilled performance, human-computer interaction, human reliability, work stress and training as these may relate to human-system design.)

Organizational ergonomics is concerned with the optimization of sociotechnical systems, including their organizational structures, policies, and processes. (Relevant topics include communication, crew resource management, work design, design of working times, teamwork, participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work, new work paradigms, virtual organizations, telework, and quality management.)

Book on ergonomics and human factors (in Russian, images are clickable)

	Human factors in complex technological systems and environments. Proceedings of the Second International conference "Ergo 2016" // Eds. A.N. Anokhin, P.I. Paderno, S.F. Sergeev. SPb.: Inter-Regional Ergonomics Association, PEIPK, Severnaya Zvezda, 2016. — 536 p. — ISBN 978-5-905042-39-3 Proceedings include the papers presented at the Second International conference "Human factors in complex technological systems and environments" (Ergo-2016). The materials concern of relevant methodological, theoretical and applied problems of human factor related subjects.
	Psychology of Work, Engineering Psychology & Ergonomics. Proceedings of the International conference "Ergo 2014" // Eds. A.N. Anokhin, P.I. Paderno, S.F. Sergeev. SPb.: Inter-Regional Ergonomics Association, 2014. — 452 p. — ISBN 978-5-94921-021-5 Proceedings include plenary and session papers, presented at the "Ergo 2014" International conference. The materials concern of relevant methodological, theoretical and applied problems of human factor related subjects.
	Anokhin A.N., Ostreykovsky V.A. Ergonomics Issues in Nuclear Power Engineering Moscow: Energoatomizdat, 2001. — 344 P. — ISBN 5-283-03638-3 The book describes various ergonomics issues concerning of nuclear power plant operators' activity, namely: human-machine interface, environment factors, operational procedures, education and training, automation. Human reliability, human errors, methodologies for analysing and modeling of operator activity are considered.
	Anokhin A.N. Expert Evaluation Methodology. - Obninsk: INPE, 1996. - 148 P. The book covers techniques for gathering, handling and interpretation of expert opinions when solving systemic or ergonomics problems. The well-known and new techniques focused on formalization and arrangement of examination, evaluation of concordance, revealing of highly concordant groups are described. The methods are illustrated by real cases concerning of nuclear power plants operation.
	Sergeev S.F. Introduction to Engineering Psychology and Ergonomics of Immersive Environments Saint-Petersburg: SPbSU IPMO, 2011. — 258 P. The book describes appearance, development and basic concepts of ergonomics and engineering psychology in application to immersive environments.
	Sergeev S.F., Paderno P.I., Nazarenko N.A. Introduction to Intellectual Interface Design Saint-Petersburg: SPbSU IPMO, 2011. — 108 P. The book describes the main terms and techniques to design of intellectual interfaces for complex human-machine (ergatic) systems.
	Sergeev S.F. Ergonomics of arms Tula: Borus, 2003. — 124 P. The book provides basics of engineering psychology for designers of guided weapons systems which have immediate firing contact with enemy. Behaviour of operator under vital stress, basic concepts of immersive environments, classical and postclassical methodologies of ergonomics design are described.

The "Life Ergonomics" project (in Russian)

Publications on ergonomics and usability (in Russian)

Open access materials on Interaction Design

Educational materials on ergonomics (in Russian)

© Inter-Regional Ergonomics Association, 2006-2016