PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

University of the City of Manila

Intramuros, Manila

MECHANICAL/ MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Product Development and Ergonomics

Take home acitivty

CADIANG, Kathrine Kate F.

DELA CRUZ, Maika Danica G.
DE JESUS, Princess Yvette
FETALVERO, Krizia
LUCENO, Edily Joy E.
NUCUP, Lee An

Engr. Juan C. Tallara

March 22, 2016

Activity
Analyze the design of examples of the following domestic
appliances. Identify and comment on the design of the control, the
displays, and the relationship between them.
a. a four- burner range
b. a videocassette recorder
c. a food mixer
d. a microwave oven
What feedback do the devices provide users to indicate response
adequately?

Four-burner range

A two-burner range showing same parts as four-burner range

Design of the control

It has adjustable buttons turning in a clockwise manner. Its

height is just appropriate and convenient to users
especially that they dont need to bend just to use it.

Proper distance of the adjustable buttons is also observed.

It is highly needed for the buttons are used in turning the
stove on and misuse of these buttons may lead to burn and
other accidents.

The observed burner range has a solid handle without

contours and shape so we believe that it has a lesser effect
and efficiency on the user.

The height follows the standard and just right for the users.

Displays

Proper instructions were included like the signage of the

proper way of turning the stove on, clockwise manner.

Some burner stoves also has a note of the level of heat

intensity ranging from low to high.

A stainless structure is commonly used for high heat

resistance and for easy usage and cleaning.

Relationship

The proper instructions are really important especially on

appliances like this. Ergonomic design must also be
present and applied to decrease the risks.

The overall structure of the stove must benefit the users.

Proper height, control and warnings must be present for
the safety and convenience of the users.

Feedback

Intensity of fire

A sound for the oven when the material inside it is cooked.

Videocassette Recorder

Design of the control

Buttons for different uses are visible at the front part of the
recorder. Buttons with higher usage percent were designed
bigger for easier access.

A proper size of hole is present for the insertion of the

cassette tape and it is positioned at the center because it is
the main purpose of the appliance.

Jack ports are also present at the lower left corner to

support other activities in the recorder.

Displays

Black is the common color for this type of recorder and a

white colored print is used to attract attention to the users
but will still not hurt the users.

Buttons for different use are also present to tell the

appliance what to conduct.

Proper size of font is also used.

Relationship

The buttons should fit the front part but not too much and
should still be ergonomically designed for easier access.
The controls must have right and appropriate display to
efficiently use the appliance and to prevent disturbances
which can lead to negative feedback among the users.

Feedback

Sounds will be heard

An indicator light to tell If the machine is on

Food Mixer

Design of the control

A safety switch is located near the adjustable knob for the

safety of the users.

The adjustable knob is position at the right of the machine

and just in front for easy access.

An adjustable upper body is also observed, allowing the

users to adjust the height and the angle of the mixer while
using it.

An appropriate sized mixing bowl comes with the mixer

which allows the users to mix larger amount and bigger
food in it.

Some if the food mixers have a cover and some does not
have. For food mixers with cover, they have a tube where
the food materials can slide to enter the mixer. It is
convenient because they dont need to open the lid
anymore and continue doing work easily.

The column or the main support of the mixer also can be

used as a handle.

Displays

A light indicator is present in it showing if the food mixer is

on and ready to be used.

Proper range of mixing intensity is also present at the

adjustable knob to notify the users on the degree of their
usage.

Food mixers also have a variety of color.

Relationship

An adjustable knob with proper indicator comes with the

product because it is important the intensity of the mixer is
known by the users for ease of use.

A food mixer with adjustable body is also important so the

customers have a bigger option and larger inventory of
food products that they can use.

Feedback

The mixing material will turn around according to the

intensity opt.

Sounds of the gears inside are sometimes audible

Microwave oven

Design of the control

A control circuit is positioned in front of the oven and at the

right of the user. It is easily seen and it has the simplest
design for it to be understood by any type of users.

Safety lock mechanism is also present which allows the

oven to be opened just when the timer is up, to prevent
danger.

A control circuit is ergonomically designed to the most used

buttons up to the least for easier use.

Displays

Proper materials are used in it to prevent or lessen the

rays from reaching the users and reducing the probability
of harming them.

Wave guide is present.

A list of possible microwavable foods was also listed in

front of the microwave oven to notify the users.

A timer is present above the control circuit to notify the

users.

Relationship

It is important that the users are aware of the possible

food that they can use to reduce the hassle and wasted
products.

Wave guide is also present to inform the users that

microwave oven uses waves and it is dangerous if
misused.

A good design of the control unit should also be always

done because it is one of the vital parts and the most used
part of the appliance so it should be easier to understand
and to use.

Feedback

An indicator light will tell the users if the oven is on.

Lights inside the appliance will also lit up to indicate its

state of being ready and on.

Light sounds are also audible from the circuit panel.

A sound will be heard if the food inside is already cooked.