ergonomics

noun

1. (uncountable)The science of the design of equipment, especially so as to reduce operator fatigue, discomfort and injury.

   “Ergonomics is increasingly important in office-product design.”

   “Experts now contend that problems at work – low productivity, health hazards, accidents, high turn over – may well have their genesis in the work environment – the result of ignorance of ergonomics. The essence of ergonomics is to design or redesign the work and the work environment to fit people. It aims to ensure that work procedures, tools, equipment and environment are safe, efficient and comfortable by applying engineering, physiological, psychological and anatomical knowledge.”

2. (rare, uncountable)Political economy.

   “As the titlepage of this latter portion of his work indicates, M. Courcelle Seneuil confines himself to political economy considered as a practical science, or, as he chooses to call it, to ergonomics.”