Is your software giving you RSI?

[gnewton]

<div style="text-align: left;">If you are reading this, chances are that you have experienced some RSI<br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">symptoms due to your "computer use". Have you ever considered , though,<br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">that "computer use" as such does not exist? What you are actually doing is<br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">using your hands (mouse & keyboard) to operate software. The hardware is<br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">only a necessary accessory. It is actually the software which dictates how<br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">you move your mouse and thereby gives you RSI. That being said, the risk<br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">of RSI will remain with us as long as hand-operated input devices are used,<br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">so the issue with the software becomes one of risk. Is the software<br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">low-risk or high-risk? I think that ProE is high risk software because it<br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">demands roughly double the mouse use than it would, had it been more<br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">ergonomically designed. That probably more than doubles the RSI risk. <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The good news is, software interfaces are designed by human beings, and PTC can and should improve the design, lowering the RSI risk and improving usability at the same time. They won't do it though, unless they see the need. Check out my website to see the letter I wrote to them, and consider taking action yourself to fight for your health and better working conditions. Together we can make a difference. www.softwarecausesrsi.org<br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div>

Edited by: gnewton

 

[dr_gallup]

Cool. I'm going on disability & suing PTC. Early retirement here I come.

 

[jelston]

What the - - - - is RSI?

 

[dtatman]

RSI - Repetitive Strain Injury, aka Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repetitive_strain_injury


The use of proper ergonomics (and frequent short breaks)is important, if you're a heavy computer user. Proper chair adjustment coupled with the right monitor and keyboard position will go a long way towards reducing these unjuries.


Here's a linkto some ergonomic tips.


http://www.details-worktools.com/ergo_tips_by_week.php

 

[cncwhiz]

[No message]

 

[fiebigc]

PTC seems to be very indifferent when it comes to streamlining UI. WF has been a step in the right direction but I get the sense that PTC is kicking and screaming all along the way.

 

[dewme5]

I just started using the AG-5 from alphagrip.com It's basically like a game controller for a playstation, but is a full keyboard, and trackball. It's pretty interesting, and will of course take some getting used to, but I like the idea in general. I still use a mouse and keyboard some of the time, but have really started to use this game pad more often. Some motions are much easier, and then some seem a little akward. The main thing, is changing the repetitive motions. I can also comfortable work while standing up, if I desire.

 

[dr_gallup]

I got a left handed mouse to go with my right handed mouse. Both are active all the time. So if my right hand gets tired I start using the left hand one for a while. My brain short circuited for the first day but now it's no problem.

 

[gnewton]

My website is now listed on Digg.com, so if agree with it and want to help the cause, then Digg it!
http://digg.com/health/Software_Causes_RSI_Repetitive_Strain _Injuries

 

[prohammy]

Hi-ho, hi-ho,


it's off to the courts we go,


we sue all day,


we winge all the way,


hi-ho, hi-ho, hi-ho


(mantra for the newsoftware operator's?)

EDIT:-


PS gnewton, what;s the name of your law firm should I spill my coffee over myself, surely there is someone who is responsible for that accident that I can blame......

Edited by: prohammy

 

[gnewton]

Does the cup come with a warning on it that spilling hot coffee on yourself could be dangerous?

I deplore the litigious culture in the USA, but in some cases it serves as a de facto regulatory agency, bringing about change where governmental regulation does not (or cannot) reach.

I am hoping that in my scenario, the mere fear of a lawsuit will spur PTC into action....or will it take a real lawsuit?

 

[jeff4136]

> I think that ProE is high risk software because it demands roughly double
> the mouse use than it would, had it been more ergonomically designed. That
> probably more than doubles the RSI risk.


"I think", "roughly, "probably".
The would be 'statement' is an indistinct blob.
Mushy in a salesperson sort of way.



There are businesses using Pro/E. Some large companies. Major manufacturers
among them. Most of those study ergonomics, usability and workplace related
health risks in addition to productivity. They have large accounts and
influence. PTC may not be (what large CAD developer is?) an agile responder but
they will eventually pay attention to flagging sales and loss of large accounts.
You, a nobody from nowhere, are going to dictate PTC's direction with
unsubstantiated assertions and fuzzy logic documented on an obscure web page
(one blog entry dated 4/08?) along with alleged correspondence containing some
vague mumbling about legal action? (Where is the Jan. 5 letter from PTC?)


The software least likely to put one at risk for RSI is one that keeps the user
idle; e.g. waiting on something. Some of your wishlist items would improve
productivity. Marginally. Five percent? Two? Half a percent? Depends on what
you're doing but what the heck; faster is faster. You'd perform a task with a
few fewer clicks and be on to the next. Working the mouse. No one works the
mouse harder than an Acad drafter / designer. Most of them also work without 3D
pointing devices so are constantly scrolling, zooming, panning, rotating with
the mouse. They are constantly placing vertices within a snap aperture Much
smaller than an OK button. They have frustrating little niggles like those
indicated in your documents. They have almost zero downtime waiting for regens
of one sort or another so if they aren't working the mouse they're goofing off.
If anyone has a legitimate claim to compensation it's them.


So some, maybe most but I'd have to think about it and quite frankly I've got
better things to do than contemplate the small potatoes, of your wishlist items
get my vote for productivity enhancements. I'm all for streamlining workflow
but you better not mess any existing ones up in the process. Your logic for
singling out PTC as a "sadistic" endangerer of unsuspecting CAD jockeys will
have to be more bulletproof before I sign on for that.


My advice to you is to
1) Put down the beer and put 3D pointing device in the left hand.
2) Decrease your display resolution.
3) Underclock your computer so performance parallels the "benchmarks".


____________________________________________________________ ____________________


http://www.secinfo.com/dS997.7298.htm
In addition to enabling the applications with sophisticated SDK offerings,
Spacetec has initiated a new direction in input controller development,
beginning with ergonomics. Using an input device is a physical and repetitive
event. Major end users are cognizant of the health and well being of their
employees, and are requesting quantitative and qualitative data on the impact of
usage as it relates to "Repetitive Stress Injury". Spacetec has responded by
engaging a leading specialist in this field, has actively measured employees at
key customer sites, and has remitted the data to a leading design house. The
outcome of this advanced work is expected to be the Spaceball 4000, slated for
release in the latter half of fiscal year 1999. By working with industry
specialists, key OEMs and LARGE END-USERS, Spacetec has further strengthened its
position in the workstation market.
____________________________________________________________ ___________________


LR Study Guide 2003-2004.pdf
Aerospace Engineering Study Guide Delft, July 2003
The faculty puts in a great effort to prevent employees and students from
injuries or disability such as RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) due to intensive
computer work. These injuries may arise when individuals work with computers in
a STRESSFUL and intensive way, particularly if they have adopted an unhealthy
sitting/working position or are using poor office equipment (chair, desk, etc.),
overexerting parts of the body.
____________________________________________________________ ____________________


GUIDANCE NOTE FOR THE PREVENTION OF OCCUPATIONAL OVERUSE SYNDROME IN
KEYBOARD EMPLOYMENT [NOHSC:3005 (1996)]
CAD is a specialised, complex design tool that is in a state of rapid
development. While some fundamental guidelines on its effect on humans may be
drawn, the present state of knowledge does not allow for prescriptive
statements.
____________________________________________________________ ____________________


And again ...
http://www.ptc.com/WCMS/files/39981/en/32510en_file_1.pdf


No. I don't swallow it hook, line and sinker. It's unfortunate they don't
provide enough information to allow individuals to duplicate the models and
come to their own conclusions. Nor is it a comprehensive design thru
documentation comparison. But this, lots of it, is what you're going to have
to have if you want to take PTC to court, isn't it?


I still think you'd be better off trying to sue your employer. Which is / was?

 

[michael3130]

Gnewton,


I've been having a brief look at your website on RSI. One of thep ioints you make can be solved. You say:


When editing this sketch definition, I first get a blank screen. A click on

 

[pro_eek]

Hi Michael, thanks for the sketcher_refit_after_dim_modify tip. Do you have any other tips that would improve general workflow?

 

[michael3130]

Pro_eek,


There's lots of config.pro options to help you set up ProE to your preferred way and also using mapkeys and setting up the menus etc help a lot. Someone posted a list of all the options available in a post. Can't remember who it was or how long ago. Do a search for it on this forum and if you have no luck google it.


Another way to improve work flow according to my boss is arriving in on time

. Personally I find coffee helps too

. Good looking receptionists however reduce workflow due to excessive drooling, blinkers are required

.

 

[dgs]

List of mapkeys is at www.proesite.com.


One thing I've done is move the dashboard/message area to the top and move the model tree to the right. You need the model tree at right because the dashboard drop downs obscure the tree if it's on the left.


Most dialogs pop up at the top right and the menus are up top, so that makes for less mouse & eye movement.

 

[mgnt8]

Damn, ur right. Moving the model tree to the right is a lot better. That just solved one of my great pro/pet peeves. Another good one that just came to my attention is floating_layer_tree . That was another thing I hated when bringing up the layers, they always blocked out the model tree so I was always toggling back & forth. I will say this - all these great config.pro options that make pro easier are difficult to discover sometimes.

 

[dgs]

List of mapkeys is at www.proesite.com. ...

Oops - I meantthat a list of config options is at www.proesite.com. ...