# Exploring the Intersection of Ergonomics, Design Thinking, and AI/ML in Design Innovation
## 1 Introduction  
Design thinking and ergonomics are two interdisciplinary fields that play crucial roles in enhancing user experiences and optimizing system performance. Design thinking, a problem-solving approach, emphasizes understanding users, challenging assumptions, and redefining problems to create innovative solutions [1]. On the other hand, ergonomics, also known as human factors, focuses on optimizing interactions between humans and systems to enhance well-being and performance [2]. Design thinking is a multifaceted concept subject to various interpretations and applications across different fields of study and cultural contexts. For example, [PERSON] [3] adapted design thinking principles to address wicked problems in social and ecological systems, incorporating insights from various disciplines, while [PERSON] and [PERSON] [4] synthesized research to understand design thinking's characteristics, processes, and potential impact on educational systems, particularly in developing students' problem-solving skills. Both emphasize that design thinking can be applied in diverse fields, from workplacedesign to product development, and plays an important role in problem-solving. Understanding the nuances and variations in the definition of design thinking, with the aim of improving user comfort, safety, and efficiency, is essential for contextualizing its relevance and significance within the scope of this study. The field of ergonomics, also known as \"the science of work\", originates from the Greek words ergon (work) and nomos (laws). The terms ergonomics and human factors are often used interchangeably or combined as a unit, such as human factors/ergonomics (HFE or EHF), a convention endorsed by the IEA. The IEA, or the International Ergonomics Association, defines ergonomics (or human factors) as a scientific discipline focused on understanding interactions between humans and various elements within a system. This profession applies theoretical frameworks, principles, data, and methodologies to the design process, aiming to optimize both human well-being and overall system performance. This definition was officially adopted by the IEA in the year 2000 [2]. Moreover, the intersection of these concepts gives rise to the exploration of both \"Design Thinking in Ergonomics\" and \"Ergonomics Design Thinking\", which further enriches our understanding of their synergistic potential in optimizing user-centered design processes. Both \"Design Thinking in Ergonomics\" and \"Ergonomics Design Thinking\" can make sense depending on the context and focus of the work:  
* \"Design Thinking in Ergonomics\" suggests that one is applying the principles and methods of design thinking to the field of ergonomics, indicating that one is bringing a design thinking perspective to ergonomic considerations [5]. * \"Ergonomics Design Thinking\" suggests that one is applying ergonomic principles within the context of design thinking, indicating that one is incorporating ergonomic considerations into the design thinking process [6]. The choice between these two phrases depends on which aspect one wants to emphasize or whether to convey a specific sequence of activities. While aesthetics and functionality have long been key drivers of innovation, the discipline of ergonomics introduces a critical dimension: the user's experience [7; 8]. The intersection of design thinking and ergonomics presents stirring opportunities for advancing user-centered design processes and optimizing system performance, thereby enhancing user comfort and usability. Furthermore, as technology continues to advance, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) into design methodologies becomes increasingly pivotal [9]. AI and ML algorithms offer unprecedented opportunities to analyze vast amounts of data, predict user behaviors, and personalize design solutions.