Evaluating Inappropriate Tool Application Damages for Left-Handers

Abstract

15% of world population are Left-handed people. Dominance of right brain hemisphere causes dominance of left side of their bodies also known as left handedness as a minority group. This group differs in some of their motor attributes compared to right-handed majority. This issue is more tangible when it comes to working with tools that requires reasonable degree of precision or power. It is essential to prevent permanent damages with aid of ergonomics principles. The purpose of this research was to examine and highlight the extra stress imposed on the left handers using the tools designs solely designed for right handers and further to come up with suggested solutions. The research was conducted based on user-centered methodology utilizing questionnaire, field observation and interview with users as well as extensive laboratory experiments on left-handed individuals. At first, left-handed samples were selected by Edinburgh “Hand Dominance” survey and then in second survey, a can opener and scissors were identified as the most challenging kitchen tools. The fatigue and tension in the muscles were measured via Electromyography (EMG) tests on the sampled left-handed and right-handed users working with scissors and can openers within the established experiment setting. Finally, the top three proposed design for future can openers were evaluated using AHP methodology and the best design concept was selected. This research highlights significance of considering left-handed people as a minority group of users that demands particular attention in design process of products.