Ergonomic Analysis
of Products

We analyze ergonomics objectively, with measurement data instead of assumptions

In many products, ergonomics is not evaluated in a verifiable way

Decisions are often based on assumptions instead of data

This is particularly critical for products with high use or safety-relevant application. Ergonomic decisions are often based on assumptions, not on data. As a result, risks only become visible in use.
Robust foundations for product decisions and clear arguments towards stakeholders are missing. Ergonomic analyses create an objective basis here for evaluating use, strain and interaction.
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Evaluating ergonomics objectively

We combine measurement data, expert assessment and medical classification for an objective ergonomics analysis.
  • Quantitative ergonomics analysis
  • Measurement of strain and movement
  • Use scenarios & risk analysis
  • Medically grounded evaluation
  • Validation of ergonomic requirements

Evaluating ergonomics objectively with measurement data and expert analysis

Classic ergonomics assessments often do not deliver reliable results.

Typical weaknesses of classic approaches:

  • Subjective assessments instead of objective data
  • Missing measurements of strain and movement
  • Decisions without robust evidence

Our approach combines measurement data, expert assessment and medical classification into an objective and traceable ergonomics analysis. Regular ergonomics analyses across the entire product life cycle create the continuous data basis for design decisions.

Measurement-based analysis

Measurement of movement, posture and strain as an objective data basis for evaluating ergonomics.

Expert assessment

Classification of the measurement results in the real context of use through structured expert assessment.

Medical classification

Evaluation of the ergonomic effects from a physiological and clinical perspective.
Only the combination of these perspectives makes ergonomics measurable, traceable and robust.

Measuring and validating ergonomics objectively

Ergonomics often remains an assessment without robust evidence.
We make ergonomic quality measurable and deliver robust results for development, documentation and regulation..

VALIDATION OF REQUIREMENTS

Verification of whether ergonomic requirements are actually met in real use.

ROBUST DECISION FOUNDATIONS

Robust decision foundations for product decisions, traceable internally and externally.

SUBSTANTIATING ERGONOMICS CLAIMS

Evidence of ergonomic quality for documentation, marketing and regulatory requirements.
Ergonomics thus becomes not only plausible, but verifiable.
ergonomic evaluation

Analyzing ergonomics in a measurable way: methods of ergonomic evaluation

Depending on the product and the question, we deploy the suitable analysis methods in a targeted way.
Ergonomic grip analysis

Anthropometry & reach envelopes

Analysis of reach envelopes, operating heights and body positions based on anthropometric data and real use scenarios.

  • Anthropometric analysis (body dimensions and context of use)
  • Analysis of attainable reach envelopes
  • Evaluation of posture and strain (posture assessment)
Optimization of operating concepts and reduction of ergonomic overload. For hand length alone, the span between the 5th percentile of small users and the 95th percentile of large users is around 45 mm (ANSUR II), a measure that a single grip design does not cover.
Motion tracking ergonomics

Posture & movement analysis

Analysis of movement sequences and use patterns to detect strain and inefficient interactions.

  • Motion tracking (sensor-based movement analysis)
  • Video analysis
  • Time and sequence analysis of interactions

Identification of critical movements and optimization of ergonomic workflows.

EMG analysis ergonomics

Physical strain & fatigue

Measurement of muscle activity and strain to evaluate ergonomic load over time.

  • EMG: measurement of muscle activity and fatigue
  • Analysis of fatigue progression
  • Load profiles over time
Evidence of overload and derivation of concrete ergonomic improvements.
Aesculap pressure mapping - pressure distribution

Physical strain & fatigue

Analysis of pressure distributions and contact surfaces in the interaction between user and product.

  • Pressure mapping (analysis of pressure distributions)
  • Analysis of contact surfaces and support points
  • Load profiles over time
Optimization of comfort, stability and load distribution.
Ergonomic evaluation

Ergonomic design & product development

Integration of anthropometric target values and ergonomic design criteria into concept and prototype before series development begins.

  • Definition of ergonomic target values for handles and controls
  • Early prototype evaluation based on percentile ranges
  • Ergonomic product development in the iterative design process
Ergonomic design takes body dimensions and operating forces into account before the first drawing is made. More on the underlying values in the term grip force and operating forces.

The methods are selected project-specifically, matching product, use and question.

Have your analysis project assessed without obligation

Ergonomics analysis on a normative and scientific basis

Our ergonomic analyses are based on established standards and current scientific findings.

Selection and application are project-specific, aligned with product, use and regulatory requirements.

Relevant standards

Depending on the application, we take the relevant standards into account:

  • DIN EN ISO 9241 (ergonomics of human-system interaction)
  • DIN EN 614-1 (safety of machinery: ergonomic design principles)
  • DIN EN ISO 6385 (ergonomic principles)
  • DIN EN ISO 26800 (ergonomic principles)

Integration into professional and regulatory networks

Our work is embedded in relevant professional and standardization networks:
  • Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA)
  • German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (DKE)
  • German Institute for Standardization (DIN)
  • German UPA / ergonomics networks

This creates a reliable basis for development, documentation and approval.

Analyzing ergonomics objectively: results that enable decisions

Our ergonomic analysis makes use, strain and interaction measurable.
This produces robust results for development, evaluation and communication.

Validation of ergonomic requirements

Verification of whether requirements are actually met in real use.

Sound decision foundations

Objective data and evaluations for safe and traceable product decisions.

Substantiating ergonomics claims

Evidence of ergonomic quality for marketing, documentation and regulatory requirements.

Identifying risks early

Identification of ergonomic risks before they cause problems in use.

We make ergonomics not just plausible but a robust basis for decisions.

Ergonomic analysis in different application contexts

Ergonomic requirements differ depending on product, use and context of use.

Our analysis approaches can be transferred specifically to different areas of application, from safety-critical applications to technical products.

Medical technology

Evaluation of ergonomic use in clinical and medical environments
  • Analysis of interactions under real conditions of use
  • Evaluation of the physical strain on medical staff
  • Support with regulatory requirements and ergonomic evidence
Focus: patient safety, clinical application and regulatory safeguarding

Industry & mechanical engineering

Analysis of workplaces and interactions in industrial environments
  • Evaluation of physical strain and movement sequences
  • Optimization of workplaces and operating concepts
  • Reduction of ergonomic and safety-relevant risks

Focus: occupational safety, efficiency and strain reduction

Industry & mechanical engineering

Ergonomic evaluation of technical products with intensive manual interaction
  • Analysis of operating processes and use patterns
  • Evaluation of reach envelopes, operating logic and interaction
  • Optimization of complex operating sequences
Focus: user-friendliness, efficiency and product quality
In this way, less regulated products also benefit from methods from safety-critical and clinical applications.
Marcus Jenke Portrait

Dr. Marcus Jenke

Ergonomics & Human Factors Engineer

100+ projects in usability engineering and ergonomic analysis, from context analyses to validation of complex products.

Ergonomic analysis for your product: data-based and traceable

We analyze your product systematically, from the first assessment to robust results for development, decision-making and evidence.
  • Non-binding initial assessment of your product
  • Selection of suitable analysis and measurement methods
  • Confidential approach, also under NDA on request
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4.6/5

Stars from customer reviews | based on projects in medical technology, industry
and technical product development

Interventional-Systems
HASOMED
Dr-Pfleger
BOWA
BBraun
Alber
Riester
Philips-Healthcare
Paul-Hartmann
KARL-STORZ
Bebig-Medical-1

Further insights into ergonomic analysis

Measurable ergonomics in practice and methodological foundations from the knowledge platform.

From practice

hilti te 70 22 ergonomics conceptTE 70-22: Ergonomics and Tool Control for Professional Drilling WorkHuman factors engineering for the Hilti TE 70-22. Ergonomics, operating comfort and safe tool control for professional users.k mop 46 bp ergonomic productK-Mop 46 Bp: Ergonomics and Operating Comfort for Professional Floor CleaningHuman factors engineering for the K-Mop 46 Bp: ergonomic product design and objective confirmation of operating comfort on the production product…
All case studies →

Would you like to take part in ergonomics studies yourself?
We are looking for people with very different body dimensions, strengths and ranges of movement. This is exactly what decides whether a product works in everyday life.

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Ergonomics analysis

Frequently asked questions

In this FAQ we answer key questions about ergonomic analysis, measurement methods, standards and practical application in product development.

An ergonomic analysis makes particular sense
when products are used intensively, physical strain occurs
or ergonomic quality needs to be demonstrated,
e.g. in medical technology as part of the usability engineering process, industrial applications or complex operating contexts.

Depending on the question, different methods are used, e.g. movement analyses (motion tracking), EMG measurements to evaluate muscle activity, anthropometric analyses or pressure measurements (pressure mapping). The selection is made in a targeted way depending on product, use and objective.
While usability focuses on operability and user experience, the focus of ergonomic analysis is on physical strain, movement, posture and physical interaction. Both areas are closely connected but address different aspects of use.
Yes. By using suitable measurement methods and structured analyses, ergonomic requirements can be evaluated and substantiated objectively. This enables robust statements for product decisions, documentation and marketing.

Ergonomic analyses are based on established standards from the series
DIN EN ISO 9241 or DIN EN ISO 6385.

These serve as a basis for structured evaluations and
ensure that results are traceable and comparable.

In many cases yes, especially in regulated areas such as medical technology. Here, ergonomic analyses can be part of risk assessments or usability engineering processes. Even outside regulated industries, documented results are an important part of well-founded product decisions.
Ergonomic risks are identified through the combination of measurement data, expert assessments and use scenarios. In this way, e.g. unfavorable movements, high strain or inefficient interactions can be detected systematically.
Ergonomic analyses are relevant for all products with intensive use, e.g.:
  • Medical devices
  • Machines and industrial systems
  • Technical devices with manual interaction
They are particularly important wherever incorrect operation or strain poses risks.
The effort depends strongly on the question. From a first assessment to detailed measurement analyses, different approaches are possible. The goal is always an efficient and problem-oriented investigation.
Typical results are:
  • Objective evaluation of ergonomic quality
  • Identification of strain and risks
  • Concrete recommendations for optimization
  • Evidence for requirements or claims
The results are documented in a traceable way and are relevant for decisions.
The collaboration usually begins with a non-binding assessment of the initial situation. On this basis, suitable analysis methods are defined and implemented in a targeted way, depending on product, use and objective.
Ergonomics can be taken into account most effectively before series development, for example by defining ergonomic target values for handles and controls (more on this in the term grip force and operating forces) and early evaluation of prototypes based on percentile ranges. This allows corrections to be made in the design before tools or series production are fixed.
The term “ergonomic” is not protected and is often used without robust evidence. Only a documented ergonomic analysis, with defined target values, traceable methodology and substantiated results, turns the advertising claim into a verified property (more on this in the term ergonomics as an advertising claim).