8 Articles To Help You Choose An Ergonomically Designed Professional Console

 

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8 Articles To Help You Choose An Ergonomically Designed
Professional Control Room Consoles

Now that we’ve established the importance of using ergonomically designed control room consoles for the success of a project, how can we determine if a console truly meets ergonomic standards? The following 8 key points will guide you in finding the most suitable professional console for your needs.

1. Height Adjustment
  • Seated Height: When the desk height is too high, it causes the shoulders to lift, leading to tension in the shoulders, neck, and back. When the desk height is too low, the operator tends to lean forward, increasing strain on the lower back. By adjusting the desk height, typically between 70-75 cm, the user’s arms can hang naturally, with elbows forming a 90-degree angle to the desk, reducing fatigue during prolonged operation.
  • Standing Height: When working while standing, the desk height should align with the user’s elbow height, generally recommended within a range of 95-125 cm. Desks that are too low or too high increase muscle fatigue for the operator. Adjustable height consoles, with a range of 60-130 cm, ensure flexible transitions between sitting and standing positions, helping alleviate health issues associated with prolonged sitting.
2. Monitor Position

  • Monitor Height: When the monitor is positioned too low, the operator frequently looks down, leading to neck and shoulder pain. Studies suggest that the top of the monitor should be at or slightly below eye level, allowing the user to maintain a natural head position. A recommended height of 90-120 cm helps reduce neck muscle strain and promotes a naturally upright posture.
  • Viewing Angle: If the monitor angle is too vertical or tilted too far back, it can cause discomfort for the user’s sightline, potentially leading to eye strain or glare issues. A tilt angle of 10-20 degrees ensures that the operator’s line of sight meets the screen in the most natural way, reducing the strain on both the eyes and neck.
  • Viewing Distance: If the monitor is too close, it can cause eye strain, leading to fatigue and headaches; if too far, text and images may become hard to read, increasing the pressure on the eyes. A recommended viewing distance of 50-70 cm suits most monitor sizes and allows the user to view screen content in a comfortable, natural postu
3. Layout Of The Operator Interface
  • Keyboard and Mouse Height: An inappropriate height for the keyboard and mouse can increase stress on the shoulders and wrists, potentially leading to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. A recommended height of 65-75cm allows for the wrists to remain naturally parallel and the elbows to be bent at a 90-110 degree angle, reducing strain from prolonged operation.
  • Distribution of Buttons and Control Panels: If the main control elements are beyond the operator’s natural reach (typically 60cm), frequent arm stretching can increase the load on the shoulders and back. All important buttons should be arranged within the user’s natural reach to minimize unnecessary movements.
ergonomic work zone
4. Depth & Width Of Console
  • Console Depth: The depth of the control console desk directly affects the operator’s workspace. A desk that is too shallow (less than 70 cm) will bring the equipment too close to the operator, limiting arm movement and increasing eye and neck strain. On the other hand, if the desk is too deep (more than 100 cm), the operator may need to lean forward or stretch their arms to reach the equipment, causing discomfort. It is recommended to have a desk depth between 70-100 cm to ensure the equipment is at an appropriate distance and to provide sufficient legroom, with a suggested leg space depth of 60-80 cm, allowing the operator to move freely and improve work comfort.
  • Console Width: When the desk width is less than 120 cm, it often limits the placement of equipment, making the space cramped and potentially forcing the operator to adopt unnatural body postures to operate the equipment. Conversely, if the desk width exceeds 180 cm, the operator may frequently turn or stretch, increasing fatigue. The recommended desk width is between 120-180 cm, providing ample space for multiple monitors and equipment while ensuring the operator’s freedom of movement and comfort.
What's a control room console?
5. Seat Support
  • Seat Height: If the seat height is too low, it can cause excessive bending of the knees, increasing pressure on the knees and legs. Conversely, if the seat height is too high, the feet may dangle, increasing tension in the lower back. An adjustable range of 40-55 cm allows users to find the most suitable height, ensuring that their feet are flat on the ground, knees are at a 90-degree angle to the floor, and providing good lumbar support.
  • Distance Between Seat and Desk: If the leg space under the desk is insufficient (less than 60 cm in height and 50 cm in width), the user’s legs and knees may be restricted, leading to an unnatural posture that increases strain on the lower back. Adequate leg space allows users to move freely and avoid discomfort.
6. Work Environment Lighting
  • Brightness Levels: Excessive lighting can cause glare, while insufficient lighting can lead to eye strain and decreased concentration. A recommended brightness level of 300-500 lux ensures that the work area is adequately lit, while 200-300 lux screen illumination can reduce screen reflections and protect the eyes. Proper lighting design not only enhances work efficiency but also reduces the risk of eye health issues.
  • Glare and Reflections: If light sources in the work environment directly shine on the monitor, users may frequently adjust their view due to glare, increasing neck and eye strain. Installing glare shields or adjusting the light source angle can help reduce glare interference, thereby improving work comfort.
economic console series
7. Cable Management
  • Cable Length: Cables that are too short can restrict the flexibility of equipment movement and are prone to twisting or damage. A cable surplus of 20-30 cm provides sufficient flexibility for equipment adjustments and movement, preventing limitations during operation.
  • Cable Channels and Storage Space: Disorganized cables can cause tripping hazards and affect equipment operation. Installing cable channels with a depth and width of 3-5 cm can effectively organize and conceal cables, keeping the workspace tidy and reducing the risk of accidents, while also improving work efficiency.
cable management
8. Materials & Texture
  • Desktop Surface Material: A surface that is too smooth can cause items to slip, while one that is too rough can increase hand friction, leading to discomfort during extended use. The ideal friction coefficient should be less than 0.5, which ensures adequate stability while providing a smooth operational experience. Fingerprint-resistant and antimicrobial coatings enhance the surface’s appearance and durability, while also reducing bacterial growth and maintaining a hygienic workspace.
  • Edge Treatment: Sharp or jagged edges on the desk can put pressure on the wrists or forearms during use, causing discomfort over time. Rounded edge designs can help mitigate this issue and improve overall comfort.
High-pressure Laminate Desktop

Attention to these details not only enhances the design of the console but also directly impacts users’ long-term health and work efficiency.

So, is your console ergonomically designed? If you are looking for a professional console, we hope the above will help you!

 

EASY CONSOLES, EASY LIFE! 

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