"Animo", a word with several translations including "to encourage", "thought", "inclination", and "spirited" is the name given to the sewing machine design featured above. Most of these words' meanings, whether intentionally applied or not by Swedish designer Othmar Muehlebach, match what the design achieves ergonomically. By analyzing the design elements of the Animo, it will be shown that its design fulfills the five areas of ergonomic research: safety, comfort, ease of use, performance, and aesthetics.
First and foremost is safety. Without question, the needle is the most dangerous part of a sewing machine as it can pierce the skin. As the needle is attached to a motor, beneath the needle would be the worst place for a finger to get stuck. This would be a probable occurrence with older sewing machines which had no presser foot. The featured presser foot above is rounded and looks like a pair of large pantaloons protecting the user from the needle. The "pantaloons" presser foot is thicker than most presser foots which typically appear like this:
This thickness provides a good barrier for sewers' fingers to bump into which warns them that their fingers may be getting too close to the needle. It also serves as a good guide for sewing straight. Because fingers can comfortably rest up against the sides of the foot, there will be less estimation needed of the distance between the needle and the fingers. The rounded quality of the presser foot is continued throughout the design creating a comfortable work station for the user.Comfort, the second area of design research is extremely important for activities like sewing where the hands and arms are constantly being used. Many sewers hunch over the machines to get a good look at what's happening under the needle and to also get a good grasp on the fabric. Because the right side of the walnut wood surface utilizes a diagonal, users can comfortable rest their right arm in a more natural position when holding and feeding their fabric through the machine. Normally, sewer's arms are parallel to one another which can create a tenser and less ergonomic position. The rounded qualities of the walnut surface and overall machine are also comfortable to rest one's arm on. In addition, there are no sharp edges to impede the flow of the fabric through the machine. These summarized elements: the diagonal and rounded edges greatly increases productivity and the overall usefulness of the machine.
It is important to note that the five areas of design research overlap and intersect as the discussed safety and comfort of the machine already contributes greatly to the third area: ease of use. When the machine is safe, people feel more comfortable and at ease using it. When the machine is comfortable, it becomes easier to operate. An element that has not been discussed yet is the large touch screen where sewers can easily see and pick their options for stitches, knotting, stitch length, etc. As seen on the back of the machine, the cord is easily stored in the back of the machine taking up no extra storage space. The thread, which sits on top of the machine offers quick accessibility for changing colors. In my home machine, the thread sits inside the machine in a horizontal fashion. Changing out the thread hurts the wrists as you have to cock your wrist to fit into the compartment to pull the thread out. These small changes make a huge difference in the performance of the product.
Performance is the fourth area of design research. Aside from the elements already covered, the convenience of the detachable extension table which also double as a compartment increases the machine's productivity because it can hold several replacement thread, foots, needles, etc. The easy accessibility discussed earlier is another large portion of its performance. The walnut wood surface, as stated by the designer represents high value and sustainability. This implies that the machine is made of high quality and environmentally friendly materials.
The fifth area of design research is aesthetics. Aesthetics is subjective, however to many Muehlebach's design is pleasing to the eyes. Most ergonomic designs are bulbous and not aesthetically pleasing because it is a designer's challenge to meld ergonomics and aesthetics together. Muehlebach does this flawlessly. Mixing the silver with the walnut wood creates a nice contrast. The minimal use of color creates a simple appearance which reflects the ease at which sewers can use the product. The large screen eliminates several buttons which could make the appearance a bit messier. The storage facilities create a streamlined look. The diagonal of the wood surface is also more welcoming than the average machine.
Othmar Muehlebach's design "Amino" is a showcase and execution of thoughtfulness as the contemporary is skillfully mixed with the ergonomic. In addition, the design encourages other designers to think similarly and to create in a way that is considerate of the human body while also being pleasing on the eyes. Almost in a checklist manner were the five areas of design research covered and each box has indeed been checked.
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