Ergonomics of the Water Bottle

In recent history, the distribution of water to the human population has changed drastically: from the flow of rivers, to the development of irrigation systems, to the pipes and conduits of water treatment plants, to the sinks of our houses, etc. One major development of the distribution of water is the packaging and marketing of water by means of plastic bottles.

(Photograph taken by me, Daniel Daquigan)

While I look at (and take a photograph of) my water bottle, I think about its importance in society. As college students strive to achieve academic success, we also have to take our health into account. One major component of this is being hydrated and drinking plenty amounts of water. The portability of water has become an essential factor in maintaining our health in the fast times of our modern society. With the invention of the plastic water bottle, portability and easy access of water has become possible in our society.

The plastic water bottle has set its mark in our society, but what about the the plastic bottle and its relation to the individual in society? How does the plastic bottle function in relation to the individual? We could observe the plastic bottle's functionality by looking at the ergonomics of its design. 

With its size and form, the plastic bottle can easily be used by a consumer while being able to contain water. The hollow cylindrical shape of the bottle allows the consumer to hold it with one hand drink from it with physical comfort. Also, its plastic cap allows water storage for later use and portability without the consumer having to worry about spilling. 

The bottle's transparency gives the bottle a clear and pure aspect like that of drinking water itself, giving visual comfort to its consumers.

The form of the plastic bottle allows for the consumer's safety. Because of its round cylindrical shape, the  plastic bottle can be used without causing any physical harm when it comes into contact with the consumer. Although there are some companies that choose a square form with edges for their plastic water bottles (such as Fuji water), the bottle is designed so that the 90 degree angles where the sides meet are rounded out to allow physical comfort and avoid harm upon contact.

However, plastic that comprises the bottle can cause health issues for the consumer. Being in direct contact with the plastic, the drinking water can cause chemical changes to the plastic and can be toxic. Over time, the plastic's toxic waste eventually collects in the drinking water. Although minimal amounts of the toxic substance may have no effect on the consumer from drinking one bottle of water, the effect can be drastic on the health of consumers whose daily lives rely on bottled water - like that of a collee student.

As for the aesthetic factor of the plastic water bottle, the visual comfort of the bottle's design also accounts for the design's beauty. The clearness and transparency of the plastic gives the bottle an aesthetic feel of pureness, like that of drinking of water.