Final answer:
The study of interactions between people and their total working environment is known as human factors psychology or ergonomics, focusing on optimizing the relationship between workers, tools, and workspaces for safety and productivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study of the interactions between people and their total working environment is known as human factors psychology or ergonomics. This field involves understanding and improving the relationship between workers, their tools, work systems, and environments for enhanced safety, productivity, and job satisfaction. Human factors psychologists are involved in the design and testing of tools, machines, and systems to better support the people who use them. They also contribute to the creation of design recommendations and regulations aimed at optimizing workspaces, like traditional desks, standing desks, and even innovative setups where people might work while sitting on a ball or cycling.
Ergonomics is crucial as it directly affects worker safety and the ease of interacting with machines and software. Anyone who has struggled with an unfamiliar piece of technology understands the value of ergonomics in making these interactions more intuitive and comfortable. The field is deeply interdisciplinary, drawing from psychology, engineering, and design to ensure that workplaces support human well-being and efficiency.