Call for papers – 2023
ERGONOMICS FOR A BETTER USE AND CONSUMPTION OF RESOURCES
Since the publication of “Blue Marble”, one of the most famous photographs of Earth taken in 1972 by the crew of the Apollo 17, the public opinion has gained an indisputable awareness that world’s resources are no limitless and that preserving the environmental balance must have been a global imperative. Fifty years later, issues related to the efficient use and sustainable consumption of human and natural resources are more crucial than ever. With the growing concern about environmental degradation and climate change, it is imperative to explore innovative approaches to conserving resources while ensuring optimal utilizations for present and future generations.
Ergonomics is an interdisciplinary research field that focuses on designing and arranging products, service, environments, and systems of solutions that are well-suited for human use in an efficient, effective, and satisfactory way. It is recognised as pivotal in ensuring that the utilization of resources is optimized aiming at optimizing human comfort, efficiency, and overall well-being by minimizing unnecessary physical strain or cognitive overload. It can play a significant contribution to discover innovative and proactive fields of explorations useful for future industrial and scientific developments. For example, by incorporating ergonomic principles, products can be optimized to require fewer resources during production while still meeting the needs and expectations of users; in the transportation sector, ergonomic principles can be applied to develop more fuel-efficient vehicles that minimize energy consumption and emissions while ensuring driver comfort; similarly, Ergonomics can guide the design of energy-efficient buildings that promote user well-being and reduce energy wastage; it also can underscore the importance of ergonomics in the context of human-computer interaction and digital technology for resource management.
To strengthen our understanding and foster scientific the debates about possible innovations in this research area, the Rivista Italiana di Ergonomia [Italian Journal of Ergonomics] promotes this call for papers on “Ergonomics for a Better Use and Consumption of Resources”. The call for papers addresses the pressing need for innovative approaches to tackle the complex issues of resource scarcity and environmental degradation. Both environmental and human aspects will be critically discussed and presented. It invites researchers and practitioners to contribute their knowledge and expertise in this area, with the ultimate goal of achieving a more efficient society where resources, both human and environmental are better managed and consumed. Additionally, the call for papers highlights the role of ergonomics in shaping consumer behaviour towards more sustainable choices (see SDGs).
The Issue 27 of the Rivista Italiana di Ergonomia [Italian Journal of Ergonomics] intends to collect international contributions such as critical essays, scientific research, projects, and professional experiences to feed the debate on the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions in relation to a better use and consumption of resources. Authors are invited to submit an original scientific proposal related to the following topics, but not limited to:
• human factors/ergonomics for reducing waste;
• ergonomics for effective human resources involvement;
• human factors and building energy performance (thermal, lighting, etc.);
• ergonomics and water management systems;
• human centred design for product longevity;
• ergonomics in design for circularity;
• usability in relation to the effective use of resources;
• co-design experiences in sustainable resource management;
• ergonomic design of personalised comfort;
• the human dimension of the energy use.
Deadline
Number 27
Articles must be received by 30 November 2023
Number 27 is expected to be published by 31 December 2023
PUBLICATION CHARGE
The Rivista Italiana di Ergonomia [Italian Journal of Ergonomics] has no article processing charges (APC) or article submission charges. All articles are published in OPEN ACCESS format.
