WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
VISUAL ERGONOMICS
Mega-trends like increasing digitisation, As a result of the darkening of the eye individualisation and urbanisation are lens with age, a 60-year-old requires rapidly changing the way we work. Modern approximately two to two and a half times A single source of uniform light cannot be
workplace designs and office furniture as much illuminance as a mid-20-year-old. adjusted and therefore does not fit with the
already strongly favour agile working, open
office layouts and flexibility.
But there are a few flaws in these principles.
principles of agile working.
The importance of Biologically Effective
Light
Furthermore, uniform light does not
consider that each user requires a different
Workplace ergonomics
Everyone has a personal daily rhythm level of light illuminance to work meaning
Ergonomic workspaces are playing an which is ‘circadian’, meaning that it is driven they do not embrace the latest findings
increasing role in today’s working world. by light and roughly synchronised with day about the biological effect of light and
Desk-sharing workstations must allow and night. allow for businesses to adapt to the
different users to adjust the desk height,
seating and monitor position.
modern way of working.
Clinical studies have proven that some
modern LED lamps which can almost It is clear that these regulations no longer
Acoustic systems are installed to absorb completely replicate the colour spectrum fit the New Work Order but increasing
high noise emissions as well as improved of sunlight have a biological effect on the knowledge of the importance of Visual
ventilation and air-conditioning units to production of the hormone melatonin, just Ergonomics is set to change this.
support better air quality. like sunlight. However, lighting, which is also an essential Biologically Effective Light can provide aspect of workplace economics, often the body with light signals which sets its Visual ergonomics is providing flexible
remains completely unconsidered. internal clock in an indoor environment, workplace lighting. Just as you can adjust
have a stabilising effect on our biological an office chair to suit a user’s requirements,
rhythm and even encourage longer and you can change the light over your work
deeper sleep. station.
Designers often operate on the principle Are the current regulations for light Unfortunately many lighting systems do
that the definition of ‘light’ is ‘enough to enough? not have these features as standard so
Why we need ‘good’ light?
When planning a workplace, Lighting
be able to see well and cope with the tasks
that will be undertaken in the space’.
remember to check and request them
Planning regulations exist for new and
renovated buildings which ensure a
Yet, recent scientific research shows that minimum level of illuminance and
‘light’ is far from being sufficient to provide uniformity of light distribution.
good vision.
What is Visual Ergonomics?
when specifying your lighting requirements.
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