How to Design Better Computer Workstations by Utilizing Posture Preferences

Computers have become a fact of life in almost any environment we find ourselves in today. Whether it is work, school, or home – the majority of our day is spent in front of a computer screen. For those of us who work with computers on a daily basis, it’s not uncommon to spend a full 8-12 hours a day sitting at the computer, plus more once when get home! Obviously, this type of work requires constant changes in posture and position in order to stay focused and comfortable while working effectively and efficiently.

For furniture and Computer Workstation manufacturers, it’s important to understand how your customers will use your product. Listed below are 5 of the most commonly used postures. Using this information allows you to become better equipped when designing and advertising new workstations to your customers.

Posture 1 – Reclined sitting. In the reclined sitting posture, the user’s torso and neck recline between 105 and 120 degrees away from vertical. The user’s weight is transferred to the back which can be comfortable for a long while but can become uncomfortable for people with back problems. When sitting reclined it is advisable to use a foot rest to relieve pressure on the underside of the thighs, (in the popliteal fold) behind the knees. For those users who are required to sit this way there should be ultimate adjustability at all the contact points; tilt, height, armrests, lumbar and headrest.

Posture 2 – Upright sitting. In the upright sitting posture, the user’s torso and neck are approximately vertical and in line (between 90 and 105 degrees to the horizontal), the thighs are approximately horizontal, and the lower legs vertical. In this posture a footrest can be conducive to shorter legs. This arrangement is better for back pain sufferers as well. Adjusting seated position frequently is easier in this posture. Again, the full range of adjustability is desirable.

Position 3 – Declined sitting. In the declined sitting posture, the user’s thighs are inclined below the horizontal, the torso is vertical and the angle between the thighs and the torso is greater than 90 degrees. This arrangement is more conducive to getting up frequently and attending to other activities around the office or home.

Posture 4 – Standing. In the standing posture, the user’s legs, torso, neck, and head are approximately in line and vertical. Users require frequent movement and postural changes to achieve and maintain comfort and productivity. Standing gives you optimum range of movement. There are a number of adjustable work tables on the market. Some of these have power adjustments for easy optimization of height and positioning.

Posture 5 – Sit / Stand With an upright work stool the user can adopt a semi seated posture when standing becomes uncomfortable. There are many excellent stools available through Ergonomic Furniture Retailers. A stool should not be difficult to get on and off of. There are some chair manufacturers that simply take their low chairs and mount them on a taller stem, this is a design fallacy.

In light of the variety of postures individuals use throughout the day, it’s important for manufacturers to create workstations that can accommodate all five postures. Unfortunately, many of today’s office furniture products are homogenously designed around the upright sit posture without consideration of the variety of postures that are being used. In order to ensure optimal worker health and safety, it is essential that a new generation of workstations is created that incorporate all 5 of the postures listed here. Doing so is not only good for the consumer; it’s good for business as well.

About the Author

Dressler’s past work as an Ergonomic Designer has included projects with Boeing, DuPont, Noel Mayo Assoc., and Britax Health Tecna. His specialties include; conceptualization, drafting, rendering, technical consulting, safety coordination, and more. For more information about Bryan Dressler and how he is using SolidWorks software to help clients meet their Ergonomic Design needs visit www.ergonomicdesigner.com or call 206-855-9638.

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