As students, backpacks are something that most of us use every day. As a bag that holds our daily essentials, it is important that the design of our backpacks allows us to carry and access our things in the easiest, most efficient way. Many backpacks do this, while many others do not (where aesthetics take more precedence over functionality). Let’s take a look at the backpack I use every day – the Borealis by The North Face – using the Five Areas of Ergonomics Research.
1. Safety: Safety is a very important aspect of a product. Above all else, the user must be safe in using the product to even use it at all. In turn, safe product will lead to its continued use. Specifically concerning backpacks, safety concerns include lack of support, which can harm the shoulders or back if the backpack is too heavy. So far, my backpack has not had any problems regarding safety. I have had this backpack for over three years, and I have not had any back or shoulder problems regardless of the weight of my backpack.
2. Comfort: The user of a product definitely values the comfort of the product. If a product is not comfortable in use, then the user will not enjoy the using that product. Backpacks must be comfortable enough for the user to wear all day if needed. No one wants to feel the burden of items you are carrying. We want to be one with our backpack. Luckily for me, I feel at one with my Borealis. There is a cushion on the back of the backpack (the part that touches your back) to ensure that it rests nicely on the back and the contents of the backpack do not put pressure on the back. Also, the straps make sure that it sits at the right area of the back, not too high and not too low.
3. Ease of use: If a product is difficult to use, it will become a hassle rather than something for your benefit. A backpack should be designed to easily open and close to grab things from it quickly. It should also be able to be easily taken on and off. Lastly, the inside of the backpack should allow its contents to fit together nicely, so they are easy to find and put back. My backpack does all of the above and is very easy to use. It has many different compartments inside to organize all my laptop, books, and pens. I can easily take off my backpack, open it, grab a book, close it, and put it back on in a matter of seconds!
4. Performance: Performance is important as it is often the sole reason for a product’s invention. Thus, as long as a backpack can hold its items successfully, it has good performance. My Borealis has very good performance and I am always guaranteed that it will hold whatever I give it. It is sturdy and nothing has ever broken off of my backpack. Whereas many backpacks wear down on the bottom or their straps break after continual use, my backpack looks just like it did when I first got it!
5. Aesthetics: Although aesthetics is not directly important to a products performance and use, it is an important factor to the user to describe who he or she is and how the user feels when he or she uses the product. Personally, I would not want to carry a backpack I didn’t think look good. Since I am using my backpack practically every day, I identify it as an accessory to me outfit. This is why I chose my black Borealis backpack. I was initially attracted to how it looked and had been on the search for a backpack like it for years. Finally I discovered the Borealis and I fell in love. It’s not too flashy and does not look bulky. It is sleek and slender even when there are a lot of books in it.
When looking at a product, you want to make sure that it checks out with these five areas of ergonomics research. Doing so will ensure you have a great quality product that you will be happy with! Doing so with my Borealis backpack, I can contently say that I have never been happier with any other backpack than this one.
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