ergonomics collection

[Akuma]

Hey folks.

I thought a collection of ergonomics tips might be a great ressource for first time scratchbuilders like myself. Actually I wondered why there seems to be no topic like this yet.

I used the search function and found some stuff to quote. Anyone else who might contribute something about optimal ergonomics - please post.

monitor angle

I tested a bunch of different angles, and decided that about 5-10 degrees was optimal.
My CP has a 1" rise over a 10" run, which is equal to a 4.5 degrees angle.
I didn't care for perfectly flat, but anything over about 10 degrees was uncomfortable to me.

Ergonomics manuals say that the top of a monitor should be at eye level  and that the screen should slant back by 30 degrees.

control panel angle

also..IMO.. have a try at setting up your main play buttons to suit natural hand/arm ergonomics.  That is, when you 'step-up-to-the-plate' and grab that joystick, your elbows naturally sit out next your ribs, placing your main button(s) hand at a 30-45deg angle.

Like so...........

control panel layout design

yeh... however... imagine grouping the six buttons, and group rotating them counter clockwise another 15deg or so.

Test that ergonomic layout before you decide on it. I didn't like it and went with the straight 6 button Capcom layout. If your stick/panel layout puts your wrist at the incorrect angle for the ergonomic layout, it won't be comfortable at all. My panel has tapered left and right sides that let the player move around a little. That also made it easy to get at a bad angle for the ergo button layout. The straight layout worked better for me.

I have ergonomic on mine, but honestly I think I would go with straight if I were to do it over.

Ergonomic feels great if I am the only one playing, and can stand with my elbows comfortably out, but when playing with other people there is not that space for spreading out, and the ergonomic layout sucks when you can't be positioned properly for it.

On the other hand, the straight layout is much easier to adapt to, regardless of the angle you are standing.

control panel height

I found this site: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/standing/standing_basic.html

The most interesting part is this:

What is an example of a workstation designed for a standing worker?

Workplace design should fit the variety of workers' shapes and sizes and provide support for the completion of different tasks.

Different tasks require different work surface heights:

    * Precision work, such as writing or electronic assembly - 5 cm above elbow height; elbow support is needed.
    * Light work, such as assembly-line or mechanical jobs - about 5-10 cm below elbow height.
    * Heavy work, demanding downward forces - from 20-40 cm below elbow height.

I guess an control panel could be regarded as precision work?

[spacies]

Interesting point.

The height difference of some machines can be a lot. Take the difference between Defender and Donkey Kong.

I am designing a new cabinet and I marked the CP at 1m which feels comfortable.

[torez]

I guess an control panel could be regarded as precision work?

Nah, precision work includes eyesight directed at the item on the table you are working on (be it some blueprint or some assembly).  Smacking some buttons does not involve much of looking, as you are concentrated on the monitor during the game.

[RayB]

I guess an control panel could be regarded as precision work?

Only if you're 4'11"

[Green Giant]

I don't think people would like playing on my cab if the control panel was 48" high.

[ARTIFACT]

Mine is 38" including the casters, and it feels great

good topic

[csa3d]

How about this fighter style 7 button layout image from the creepy prince guy..

[Akuma]

How about this fighter style 7 button layout image from the creepy prince guy..

The original topic also contains an interesting link ( http://www.kowal.itcom.pl/ArcadeParts_pliki/Projekt.htm )

As far as I can tell from the pictures, this are original measures of actual control panels - especial the ergonomics of Sega's CPs is interesting (and I guess I will incorporate this into my CP design). Site seems interesting but I don't speak polish...

[kelemvor]

Since this varies by person to person, I always recommend going to a local arcade or bowling alley with an arcade inside or something, and just going from machine to machine and seeing how each feels.  Judge the height, angle, button layout, etc and then take a combination of wha tyou find and use that for your own panel.

[XyloSesame]

How about this fighter style 7 button layout image from the creepy prince guy..

creepy prince guy???

[Hoopz]

How about this fighter style 7 button layout image from the creepy prince guy..

creepy prince guy???

Yep. 

[1500points]

just found this post via google search.
Interesting topic especially since we play machines at home and not dependent on using whatever layout was created as heavy duty "public proof" coin-op machines in stores.

Last year, I ran into some pains due to bad ergonomics on a home-made Defender cab.
Which made me aware of proper heights and angles of the body in respect to how it is designed to function.
this year I've raised the height of the panel, added some foam layers to some buttons that require angled thumb slapping, and added some platforms to support the wrist at proper height for keeping the fingers efficiently curved.

the thing looks like a monstrosity that would never cut the mustard for durability in public, but it is now more proper and PLAYABLE.
So as the original posting brings up the topic, I think this is very interesting stuff with a group of aging classic gamers. 

cheers.

[Saneless]

Mine is about 40" with castors and I wish it were a few inches shorter.  But honestly after a few sessions it's all fine to me now.

It's probably about the height of the lower end of the light work graphic for me.