Biomechanics of Product Use

The musculoskeletal system is basically the mechanics of a person. And people are as different on the inside as we are on the outside. By understanding anatomy and what goes on inside the human body, designers can account for physical factors when it comes to product innovation. It’s technical but with a human touch.

This elective course takes human-centred design to new depths by truly seeing the user from the inside. By learning about the musculoskeletal system, what’s under the surface, the mechanics of a person. It’s about blending engineering and anatomy from a design point of view.

Learn the basics of anatomy. Comprehend the terminology in order to develop a language for working with people in medical disciplines.

Explore modelling, from simple pen and paper exercises to more detailed methods using freely available software. Get a broader understanding of how to translate a problem through a case study by modelling to predict the effects of interaction processes on the musculoskeletal system. Imagine a shoe and what happens to the joints or muscles of the wearer while running. How can that shoe be improved from a design point of view?

Gain valuable insights about biomechanics and how to improve the ergonomic quality of consumer products.

Surgical simulator for knee replacement training by Nitin Gurram, rewarded with a Red Dot Award in 2020
Surgical simulator for knee replacement training by Nitin Gurram, rewarded with a Red Dot Award in 2020
Surgical simulator for knee replacement training by Nitin Gurram, rewarded with a Red Dot Award in 2020

Course Coordinator's perspective

“Through this course, I hope students gain an understanding of how different people are inside, not just outside. And I hope they will be inspired to explore the world of healthcare in future studies, maybe even choosing the Medisign master’s track.”

Richard Goossens