DESIGN OF MMU LEARNING POINT

by

VICTOR LOONG MING YAOW

1121116888
&
AHMED MOHAMED ELMAGZAUB
1112702874

Session 2018/2019

The project report is prepared for Faculty of

Engineering and Technology Multimedia University
in partial fulfilment for Bachelor of Engineering
(Hons) Mechanical

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND

TECHNOLOGY MULTIMEDIA UNIVERSITY
May 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES .............................................................................................................ii

LIST OF TABLES .............................................................................................................. 1

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 1

1.1 Overview ........................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Objective ........................................................................................................... 1

1.3 Background ....................................................................................................... 1

1.4 Problem statement and motivations .................................................................. 2

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................ 3

2.1 Implication of lighting system ........................................................................... 3

2.2 Implication of sound .......................................................................................... 4

2.3 Design for Study Environments ........................................................................ 5

2.3.1 Workplace Design ................................................................................... 5

2.3.2 Room Concepts ....................................................................................... 6

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................... 8

3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 8

3.2 Conceptual of Design ........................................................................................ 9

3.3 Inspect of MMU Learning point ......................................................................... 10

3.4 Data collection ................................................................................................. 12

3.4.1 Illuminance Level ................................................................................. 12

3.4.2 Sound Pressure Level ............................................................................ 13

3.6 Design of MMU Learning Point ..................................................................... 13

3.6.1 Increasing of Illuminance Level in Learning Point .............................. 13

3.6.2 Reduce Sound Pressure Level ............................................................... 14

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 3.6.3 Workplace Environment ....................................................................... 16

3.7 LED light vs fluorescent light ......................................................................... 16

3.7.1 Lifespan................................................................................................. 16

3.7.2 Brightness ............................................................................................. 17

3.7.3 Sound Generated ................................................................................... 17

CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION ......................................................................................... 17

APPENDIX A: IES RECOMMENDATIONS TABLES ................................................. 18

APPENDIX B: NOISE PRESSURE TABLES ................................................................ 19

References ......................................................................................................................... 20

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 LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1- 1 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL AND JOB SATISFACTION ...................................... 2

FIGURE 2- 1 TYPES OF GLARES .................................................................................................................. 3
FIGURE 2- 2 POSITION OF LIGHTING SYSTEM EFFECT TO EYE ..................................................................... 4
FIGURE 2- 3 SOUND LEVEL METER IN INDIA .............................................................................................. 5
FIGURE 2- 4 WORKPLACE DESIGN ............................................................................................................. 6
FIGURE 2- 5 TABLE ARRANGEMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................ 7
FIGURE 3- 1 MMU LEARNING POINT AT 1PM ...........................................................................................10
FIGURE 3-2 MMU LEARNING POINT AT 1PM ............................................................................................10
FIGURE 3- 3 MMU LEARNING POINT AT 7PM ...........................................................................................11
FIGURE 3- 4 MMU LEARNING POINT AT 7PM ...........................................................................................11
FIGURE 3- 5 METHOD TO INCREASE ILLUMINANCE LEVEL IN MMU LP ....................................................14
FIGURE 3- 6 METHOD OF REDUCE SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL IN MMU LP ................................................15
FIGURE 3- 7 SOUND ABSORPTION LEVEL..................................................................................................15

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 LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 3-1 ILLUMINANCE LEVEL ...................................................................................................................... 12

TABLE 3-2 SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL ................................................................................................................ 13
TABLE A-1 LUX CATEGORIES .......................................................................................................................... 18
TABLE A-2 CATEGORIES A-C .......................................................................................................................... 18
TABLE B-1 EFFECTS OF NOISE PRESSURE .......................................................................................................... 19

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 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Overview

The main purpose of this assignment is to design MMU Learning point by evaluate
the conceptual design with regard to suitability for the task and for conformance to
ergonomic guideline and proper workplace design. This project divided into several stages
which are research and identify problems, design strategy, plan of action, and budget. In the
designing stage, follow by the rules of ergonomics are strictly required as the main purpose
is to provide comfortable for users. By designing according to the principle of ergonomics
we also consider the cost of action which within an affordable range.

1.2 Objective

1. To design a conceptual design by following ergonomics guideline and proper

workplace design.
2. To evaluate current Learning point by following the ergonomics guideline and
proper workplace design.

1.3 Background

People know the word “Ergonomics”, they know this word as something with
designing of the car seat, tool’s handle and instruments, but eventually there is so much
more. The main purpose of ergonomics is to design workplaces, products and system which
fit the user by follow scientific data such as human abilities and limitation, and also to
provide comfortability to the people who use them.

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 Figure 1- 1 Relationship between environmental and job satisfaction

Ergonomics for human and the environment are relatively important when comes
to effectiveness and efficiency. Environment that provides ergonomics would tend to boost
the working hours and also reduces stress for the user. But people used to design workplace
according by their own knowledge which lead to several issues when comes to the
environmental and job satisfaction.

1.4 Problem statement and motivations

Learning point is one of the places that student choose to study. However, two of
the most important condition for study are the lighting system and environment. From the
evaluation that my group has done, we found out that the designing of learning point does
not hit the requirement of the principle of ergonomics and workplace environment. Hence,
improvement is needed to provided a more comfortable environment for student when
studying.
To enhance the lighting system and also the environment, principle of ergonomics
will be our main idea to follow. With the applied of ergonomics, we believe that it will
provide a better environment by reducing the stress of eyes and the implication of sound
on user.

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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Implication of lighting system

We all know that light is very important to us, without lighting we could have lived
in darkness and with insufficient light, it may lead to eye fatigue and strain. The reason
why lighting system is important to us is because it can impact our concentration and also
productivity. As we say lighting system is important to use and a workplace should provide
sufficient lighting in an area, but by follow the principle of ergonomics on lighting system,
location of the light system needed to be considered when placing.

Glare from lighting can be differentiate into two type, internal and external. Internal
glare usually caused by fluorescent light, which external glare cause by reflected surface
such as computer screen or window which can lead to eye fatigue and strain. Figure 2-1
shows that different angle of the lighting placement may lead to different result due to the
reflect of the light and glare. The effect of glare sometimes will be very unpleasant and
also uncomfortable, it is a dangerous experience to exposure our eye under glare for a long
period of time.

Direct glare usually caused by brightness that is unfavorable distributed or extreme

brightness contrast. With long exposure under direct glare it may cause boredom,
irritability and fatigue to our eye and also cause vision effect which known as “disability
glare”.

Figure 2- 1 Types of Glares

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 There are various of ways for the placement of the lighting system to create an
ergonomics environment workplace. Figure 2-2 shows one of the methods for placing the
light source for a workplace to have a better vision and with a minimum harm to our eye.

Figure 2- 2 Position of lighting system effect to eye

2.2 Implication of sound

Sound is able to produce tremendous reaction to listener, whether to speak or to

listen is been part of our life. But sound can also impact our health if we expose in a period
of high dB of noise. Implication of sound can be in a form of noise nuisance, especially
dwellings. Long period expose to high dB noise can contribute to health issues such as
tension or anxiety, increase in systolic blood pressure and etc. When young children are
exposed to speech interference levels of noise on a regular basis, they may develop speech
or reading difficulties, because auditory processing function are compromised.

In Figure 2-3 shown that the sound level meter somewhere in India, which has a
high-level dB reading that seriously impact the live style of those residences. With such a
high-level dB noise the quality of sleep will also be affected, and indirectly decrease the
performance at work. People living or working in noisy environments develop the habit of
shouting. Some are stressed and become irritable which can lead to psychiatric disorders.

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 Figure 2- 3 Sound Level meter in India

2.3 Design for Study Environments

2.3.1 Workplace Design

Enough spaces area for body movement is very crucial when comes to study place.
The range between table and seat should accommodate a wide range of body sizes, postures,
and activities. Comfortable spaces would further the performance of the task, facilitate
vision, allow interaction with friends, and make them feel well in their study environment.
Figure 2-4 shown that the relationship between workstation design and personal’s well-
being.

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 Figure 2- 4 Workplace Design

2.3.2 Room Concepts

People often disconsider the importance of a room design over workplace design.
They thought that sufficient space for workplace is more than enough for work
performances, but they forgot room environment are also tremendously important.
Research show that to achieve a good relationship between workplace design with the
human physical demands is through the surrounding environment. Room environment
has a profound impact on the productivity of worker. Tidy and aligned workplace create
comfortable environment and has advantages on increasing work efficiency and
performances. Crowed space and environment not only decrease performances and may
also lead to agitation of essence-spirit. Figure 2-5 clearly shows out that a comfortable
environment is necessary.

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Figure 2- 5 Table arrangement of an Environment

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CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

First of all, the importance of acceptable illumination level affects directly the
efficiency of workers around a particular sector, therefore affecting the productivity of that
sector. If industrial sector is not given a proper illumination level, there are many problems
that will arise due to just improper illumination level, for example, eye fatigue, general
stresses and strains, poor psychological health and decrement in morality [15]. All these
negative impacts will increase the probability of making errors; therefore, it will not only
affect the company’s productivity, but rather the health and safety of workers. There are
too many factors that could affect the illumination levels since different sectors require
different illumination levels in order to maximize productivity. Therefore, studies need to
be done in order to place the suitable illumination levels on a sector
Illumination level and visibility level are relatively important and has to be balance.
Illumination level too high for some area will result in poor visibility level. The relation
between illumination level and visibility level is that illumination level acts as a light
source whereby there must be a sufficient level of illumination/lighting to be seen by our
naked eye which is the visibility level. Therefore, visibility level depends much of
illumination levels. If the illumination level is too high, it will create glare which will affect
our visibility levels. Same goes to if the illumination level is too low, there will not be
enough reflection of lights/light source, and thus limiting our visibility. The two factors
that affect visibility level in an artificial environment is the lighting requirement. Lighting
requirement vary depending on the age and the task being undertaken [15]. Another factor
is that visibility level is affected by improper lighting solution where the light source is not
ergonomically design. An ergonomically designed light source will eliminate reflection
levels and will not cause any discomfort to the eyes. “The even light distribution eases the
transition between light and dark areas on the working surface and allows your eyes to
work in a constant, comfortable light” [16].

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3.2 Conceptual of Design

With the knowledge of ergonomics, a rough idea of using Led light to replace
fluorescent light to provide a brighter environment for students. Furthermore, alignment of
the light will be cover more of the spaces to provide high footcandles.

Sound absorption form would be installed on the side of the walls to reduce the
reflex of the sound. As on peak hour there were about 50-70 students in Learning point
which could result a very high sound pressure level and indirectly affect the performance
of study in learning point.

For the room environment, distance between table will be wider as the walking
spaces in between are too small and may cause student collision with the table. Wider
spaces between table not only provide a comfortable walk way and also create a
comfortable environment.

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3.3 Inspect of MMU Learning point

Our group has inspected Learning Point to have a better understanding of how
natural light affect the illuminance level. In Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2 shown that the
brightness of Learning Point at 1pm, it clearly shows that the visualization at 1pm is
acceptable.

Figure 3-2 MMU Learning Point at 1pm

Figure 3- 1 MMU Learning Point at 1pm

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 In Figure 3-3 and Figure 3-4 shown that the illuminance level starting to decrease
as the natural light are getting darker. Insufficient illuminance level which may cause
fatigue and also stress to eye. From Figure 3-4 we can clearly see that the reflected glare
from the surface of the table.

Figure 3- 4 MMU Learning Point at 7pm

Figure 3- 3 MMU Learning Point at 7pm

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 From the figure above we can know that the alignment of the light is vertical
which resulted direct glare into student eye. As me and my group member sit there for
long-period we felt that our eye was getting stress and also fatigue.

The space in between table are not suitable for student to move around as show
in the figure. When student tend to standup, the back space of the chair will be collision
with the other student at the back, which caused distraction when student are focusing
on their task.

3.4 Data collection

3.4.1 Illuminance Level

To perfect the designing of Learning point, we collected both illuminance and

sound pressure level data by using digital light meter and sound level meter.

Table 3-1 Illuminance Level

Spots/Locations Lux (5 times) Average

Old LP 30 40 59 61 62 Lux
50.4

From Table 3-1 above we calculated using IES method which Old Learning point
falls in Categories B from appendix A-1. By comparing appendix A-2 Old Learning point
has a weighting factor of -2 which is low illuminance value with a 5fc.

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3.4.2 Sound Pressure Level

For the sound pressure level, we recorded the data as shown in Table 3-2.

Table 3-2 Sound Pressure Level

Spots/Locations Weighting Max Reading dB Average

Lux
Old LP A, dB(A) 73.3 73.7 70.6 75.8 72.9 73.3

Old LP C, dB(C) 80.5 74.7 79.5 74.3 81 78

From Table 3-2 above we found that Old learning point falls in the third placing
and it has the reasonable reading yet the noise that made by certain group of students affects
the sound pressure level of the area. This is because there was no one to control them. On
the other hand, the room size of the learning point is small and therefore more reflected
sound occurs. This location falls in the category of Noise Area 2 in appendix B-1 with the
range of 65 to 90 dB. It has a sound pressure of 0.00119 Pa.

3.6 Design of MMU Learning Point

3.6.1 Increasing of Illuminance Level in Learning Point

The objective of this design is to provide more lights to enhances the illuminance
level and elevate the environment. Hence, the light use that we are using will be LED light.
As Figure 3-1 shown, the arrangement of the LED light aligned parallel in-order to avoid
direct glare.

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 Figure 3- 5 Method to increase Illuminance level in MMU LP

As the light will be using a plastic material cover to prevent direct light and also a
reflector panel will used on the inside to reflect more lights and reduce glare. Hence, the
illuminance level will be more

3.6.2 Reduce Sound Pressure Level

To reduce the sound pressure level we decide to use sound absorption form panel
on the side of the walls. As Figure 3-6 shown the sound absorption form panel are used
and according to Figure 3-7 rubber form has the ability to reduce 40% of the sound that
bounce back from the walls.

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Figure 3- 6 Method of Reduce Sound Pressure Level in MMU LP

Figure 3- 7 Sound Absorption Level

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3.6.3 Workplace Environment

To create a wide space will help student to reduce stress and also anxiety. Wider
space can also help in reducing sound pressure level as the sound wave decreasing when
travel through longer distance. We found out that the space between table in Learning Point
are 45cm, so in the design we wider it to become 60cm as shown in Figure 3-6. The reason
is to let student have a wider walkway and more personal spaces and it will help student to
be more focus on their task.

We found out that there are spaces left in Learning Point, which seem that more
table could be added. But with more table will result more student in one enclosed area,
and it will create more sound. Hence, we think that the number of the table for now should
be maintain and not adding more.

3.7 LED light vs fluorescent light

In our design we decide to use LED light over fluorescent light is because of the
following advantages.

⚫ Lifespan

⚫ Brightness

⚫ No sound generated from LED

3.7.1 Lifespan

According to research, LED light can last longer than fluorescent light. Average
lifespan of a LED light can last up to 25,000 to 200,000 hours. Whereas, the lifespan of
fluorescent light only 7,000 to 15,000 hours.

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3.7.2 Brightness

With a lifespan of fluorescent light getting longer, the brightness of it will starting
to decrease and resulted dim and with such a problem, LED are able to overcome.
Brightness of LED light are constantly and would not decrease in term of time and lifespan.

3.7.3 Sound Generated

Fluorescent light is a magnetic single-lamp ballasts lamp. Which require a ballast

in-order to stabilize the current when flow through the lamp and resulted a “buzz” sound
generated from it. LED does not require ballast in-order to light up, hence it can reduce the
sound pressure area in an area.

CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION
Through this research, I found out that the importance of illumination cannot be
neglected since it affects directly to our productivity and there are many factors that need
to be taken into account in order to provide the suitable/optimum illuminance level for
every particular sector. As an ergonomist, relieving the pain/stress of users is the aim of
why we study various kinds of methods to solve the problem encountered by people. Thus,
illuminance level that affects visibility is one of the most important factors to be focused
on. With a suitable illuminance level would really increase the efficiency and performance
of student when studying. Sound pressure level also one of the main concern when student
looking for places to study, high dB of an area would result student unable to focus in their
study and also lead to anxiety.

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APPENDIX A: IES RECOMMENDATIONS TABLES
Table Page

TABLE A-1 LUX CATEGORIES ......................................................................................................................... 18

TABLE A-2 CATEGORIES A-C ......................................................................................................................... 18

Table A-1 Lux Categories

Table A-2 Categories A-C

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APPENDIX B: NOISE PRESSURE TABLES
Table Page

TABLE B-1 EFFECTS OF NOISE PRESSURE .......................................................................................................... 19

Table B-1 Effects of Noise Pressure

Sound Pressure Levels and Corresponding

Sound Pressure and Sound Intensity
Examples Sound Pressure Sound Pressure Sound Intensity,
Level, dB Level, Pa W/m2
30m from jet aircraft 140 200 100
Threshold of pain 130 10
120 20 1
Chainsaw 110 0.1
Disco 100 2 0.01
90 0.001
Curb side of busy road 80 0.2 0.0001
70 0.00001
Conversational speech 60 0.02 0.000001
50 0.0000001
40 0.002 0.00000001
Quiet bedroom at night 30 0.000000001
Background in TV 20 0.0002 0.0000000001
10 0.00000000001
Threshold of hearing 0 0.00002 0.000000000001

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