Redesigning the Ceramic Rib

A rib is the hand tool potters press against clay on the wheel. An ergonomic analysis of the standard rib gave it a RULA score of 6, pointing to a tight grip, wrist and forearm strain, and poor control.

We set four requirements (pressure distribution, grip, affordance and wrist posture), built more than eight prototypes, and tested them with five or more users of different skill levels. Testers preferred a curved handle and a 40° head, so the final design drops the finger grooves for a smoother handle.