Definitions

Physical ergonomics examines how people interact with their physical environment, the postures they take on during their activities, the tools/instruments they use, how they sit (or stand) at their workspace. The primary objective is injury prevention, but also can focus on performance optimization. Applications include design, evaluation, and modification of workplaces.

Cognitive ergonomics considers people’s abilities to process information within a given system. Its roles are broad and range from design of lighting and signage to analysis of mental workload, decision making, and training within organizations. The overall goal of cognitive ergonomics is to balance the mental load so that people can function at their best within work systems.

Macroergonomics takes a big-picture view of how separate elements of work systems interact and focuses on how to optimize those interactions for improved workplace performance in individuals and entire organizations. It draws on elements from both physical and cognitive ergonomics, but also addresses organization-wide communication, work design, and resource management, amongst other things.