title: Analytic and rule-based decision support tool for VDT workstation adjustment and computer accessories arrangement.
abstract: One important factor that leads to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) among visual display terminal (VDT) users is their work posture. While operating a VDT, a user's body posture is strongly influenced by the task, VDT workstation settings, and layout of computer accessories. This paper presents an analytic and rule-based decision support tool called EQ-DeX (an ergonomics and quantitative design expert system) that is developed to provide valid and practical recommendations regarding the adjustment of a VDT workstation and the arrangement of computer accessories. The paper explains the structure and components of EQ-DeX, input data, rules, and adjustment and arrangement algorithms. From input information such as gender, age, body height, task, etc., EQ-DeX uses analytic and rule-based algorithms to estimate quantitative settings of a computer table and a chair, as well as locations of computer accessories such as monitor, document holder, keyboard, and mouse. With the input and output screens that are designed using the concept of usability, the interactions between the user and EQ-DeX are convenient. Examples are also presented to demonstrate the recommendations generated by EQ-DeX.
authors.affiliation: Industrial Engineering Program, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University Pathum Thani 12121, Thailand.
authors.forename: Busagarin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rurkhamet
authors.forename: Suebsak
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nanthavanij
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016287:Computer Peripherals; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005103:Expert Systems; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D013785:Thailand; D014584:User-Computer Interface