You usually do not notice the ergonomic features of a pipette – if you did, they would be a disturbing factor and thus not ergonomic. Many people think that a pipette is already ergonomic when it has a low weight and requires a low operating force. But these are only partial aspects of a greater whole.
Ergonomics is divided in the scientific sense into physical ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics and organizational ergonomics. It follows that ergonomics cannot be described by unique features such "weight" or "operating force", but only by a holistic approach. In order to develop an all-round ergonomic product, it is necessary to already incorporate such a holistic approach into the product development stage. That is an ambitious aim considering how different people are and the differences in work performed with general laboratory products such as a pipette and tip. Eppendorf has taken on this challenge and is developing pipettes from a holistic perspective as part of the PhysioCare Concept®. Based on the scientific understanding of ergonomics, three spheres have been identified for laboratory work: the user, the laboratory and the workflow sphere.