Ergonomics, derived from the Greek words ergon (work) and nomos (laws), is the science of designing environments, products, and systems to fit the people who use them. Its history spans centuries, evolving from early ideas of optimizing work processes to the modern study of human well-being and performance in various environments.

The origins of ergonomics can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Early Egyptian and Greek records show evidence of rudimentary ergonomic principles in tool design and work environments. The Greeks, particularly Hippocrates, emphasized the importance of suitable tools for medical procedures, a precursor to ergonomic thinking.

However, it wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries that the need for ergonomics became more pressing. Factories relied on mass production, and many workers faced harsh conditions and injuries due to poorly designed machinery and workflows. Researchers began to study worker fatigue and efficiency, laying the groundwork for modern ergonomics.

World War I and II marked a significant turning point. Military engineers and psychologists were tasked with designing equipment that was more user-friendly, reducing human error and enhancing performance. This period saw the formalization of ergonomics as a distinct field, particularly with the development of human factors engineering.

In the post-war era, ergonomics expanded beyond military applications to industry, aviation, and later, office environments. In 1949, the term “ergonomics” was coined in Britain, leading to the establishment of the Ergonomics Research Society (now the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors). As technology advanced, ergonomics began to incorporate cognitive and organizational aspects, addressing not only physical but also mental workloads.

Today, ergonomics plays a crucial role in product design, workplace safety, healthcare, and human-computer interaction, aiming to improve both comfort and performance.