Ergonomics Design Award

Past winners
2012: V.A.C.® (Vacuum Assisted Closure) Therapy
Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (KCI) has developed the V.A.C.Via System wound care device that has won the Ergonomics Design Award for 2012.
It is a lightweight portable wound care device, the V.A.C. (Vacuum Assisted Closure) Via™ Negative Pressure Wound Therapy System which enables patients with moderate to low severity wounds to receive care in their own home or even at work. Human factors engineers at KCI were part of the team that contributed to the hand-shaped design, button size and user interface which makes the device easy and comfortable to use. These elements were developed following consultation with clinicians and patients. Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (KCI) is a global medical technology company headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. For healthcare providers like the National Health Service, the V.A.C. Via System consists of a small, recyclable therapy unit plus disposable tubing and dressings which can be kept on the shelf until needed, potentially enabling earlier patient discharge and reducing length of hospital stays. The development of the V.A.C.Via™ System represents a truly patient-centred approach to care and is an example of an acute therapy that can now be delivered in the home, as outlined in the Department of Health white paper Equity to Excellence: Liberating the NHS.”

2011: S stock rolling stock for the London tube network
The award was given to the Human Factors Team at Bombardier Transportation in Derby. The human factors team advised on cab layout, alarm design, HCI design as well as the design of the saloon layout and passenger information provision. The first trains entered service on 31 August 2010 and the 8 car S Stock is currently in use on the Metropolitan Line, with a slightly modified 7 car train to be introduced on the Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines next year. Not only are passengers benefitting from air conditioned saloons with wide open gangways, provision for wheelchair users and multi-purpose areas, the needs of drivers are met by in-cab monitors, a sit/stand workstation and provision of an adjustable seat and footrest. The Bombardier Human Factors team adopted a systems approach in developing the S Stock. This ranged from the design of alarm systems and cab layout for the driver to the height of passenger door windows, position of customer information displays and passenger alarms. The final product reflects a great deal of stakeholder consultation on how to best meet these needs.

2010: Speedglas 9000 and 9100 welding visors
The award was given to the development network for 3M™ Speedglas™ 9000 Series and 9100 Series Welding Shields, represented by Jörgen Eklund. The award winners include the development team at 3M / Hörnell Elektrooptik AB, the design consultancy Ergonomidesign and the ergonomics research groups at Linköping University and Royal Institute of Technology. The award was given for the integration of ergonomics in the product development of Speedglas 9000 and 9100 welding visors. This development has taken place in a network, organised by the Speedglas development team. It includes more than 15 years of sustainable collaboration between the manufacturer, ergonomists, designers, researchers and others, in which ergonomics aspects have been given high priority. The development started in 1994 when the manufacturer of Speedglas welding visors decided to develop a new generation of ergonomically leading welding visors. The aim was to position the product as market leader through better value to their customers. The development network that was built up included several ergonomists and organisations collaborating in a network. The company developed a high-tech product, giving ergonomic advantages for the welders as well as their employers in terms of improved working environment, safety, usability, productivity and quality. The welding visor became a market success, with increased sales volume each year. Total sales have exceeded two billion Swedish crowns, including more than 90% on export, and the future market potential is excellent.

Who can apply for this award?
The award is open to all designers and ergonomists who can demonstrate application of ergonomics to the highest standard in a project, product or design. Applications are open to anyone, as individuals or a team, and not just members of the Institute.

Why should I enter?
By entering the competition for this award, your company or organisation is demonstrating its commitment to user-centred design. The winner will benefit from the following:
* Your organisation will be included in a national campaign publicising the award.
* Your work will be promoted via a printed flyer and distributed throughout the following year at exhibitions, seminars, on the IEHF website, and in 'The Ergonomist' newsletter.
* Your personal profile will increase through opportunities to present your work at events and conferences.
* Success in winning this award will provide you with external acknowledgement of the high quality of your work in the field of ergonomics.
* The winner of the award will receive a cheque for £500, sponsored by CCD Design & Ergonomics Ltd.
You will also be offered Associate Membership of the IEHF for one year, if appropriate.

What can be entered?
* A project, product or design that has involved systematic application of ergonomics principles.
* A project, product or design that will be complete and in operation by the closing date for applications.
* A project, product or design that can demonstrate a high level of client or customer satisfaction.

Award categories
* A product that has been designed using ergonomics principles.
* An industrial or commercial application of ergonomics.
* Application of ergonomics in the built environment.
* An inclusive design project.

How do I enter?
Download the entry form and complete the checklist to ensure compliance with the rules. When you submit your application, you must include a five page report on your project. This will be used to assess your application initially, before a final six applications go forward to the judging panel in December. You will be notified in February whether or not your application has been selected to go forward to the final. In January the judging panel will need to see your product so a sample should be sent to the IEHF office. If your product is unsuitable for this, then a video presentation can be shown to the judges.

What makes a successful entry?
* Clear evidence of attention to ergonomics consideration.
* Clear evidence of an ergonomics approach.
* Evidence of client or customer feedback and satisfaction.
* Evidence of the project, product or design in use.

Judging
Subject to confirmation, the judging panel will consist of:

• The President of IEHF
• The sponsor, CCD Design and Ergonomics Ltd, John Wood
• The Chair of IEHF Honours Committee
• An Independent Designer, Martin Bontoft: "Martin is an independent user researcher & design strategist working in both the private and public sectors."
• President of the Chartered Society of Designers, Chris Ramsden
• Which? magazine, Tanya Heasman: "Which? is the leading independent consumer champion in the UK and provides impartial, expert information on products and services in magazines, books and online to help consumers make more informed choices. Which? also does policy work and runs campaigns to get a fairer deal for all consumers."
• Ricability, Mark Harnett: "Ricability is an independent consumer research charity, formally managed by the UK Consumers' Association, publishers of 'Which?' We publish guides for older and disabled consumers and work with manufacturers, service providers, regulators and policy makers to improve products and services. We practice an inclusive design approach to ensure the needs of older and disabled people are met."
• The Design Council, Dr Marianne Guldbrandsen
• An independent designer, Ken Garland
• Member of the RSA's Professor Thimbleby

Key dates
Closing date for applications is 30 November
Judging Day will take place in January
Applicants will be advised in Febraury
The winning entry will be announced at the Ergonomics & Human Factors Conference in April

Award presentation
The winner of this award will be presented at the awards ceremony at the IEHF Conference.

Application Form
Download an application form for the award here:

Application Form

Ergonomics Design Award leaflet