Cultural Perspectives in Participatory Ergonomics

This paper examines the generalizability of participatory ergonomics to different cultures. Studies using participatory strategies to introduce ergonomic solutions are reviewed across three distinct cultures. The results lead us to believe that these effects are sufficiently robust and not culture or method bound. Four lessons can be learned from these participatory interventions: 1) Interventions should build on local customs; 2) Solutions should be practical and understandable to the participating end-users; 3) Culture should be used as a resource for solving design and cross-cultural problems; and 4) Synergy between the culture and the intervention will enhance the success and magnify problems of the intervention.