The Principles of Motion Economy were developed in the 1950s and are still applicable today.  The original twenty-two principles are separated into three categories: "Use of the Human Body," "Arrangement of the Work Place," and "Design of Tools and Equipment."  Each of these areas must be carefully considered to develop Best Practice work methods.

• Use of Human Body deals with creating work tasks and spaces that allow a person to complete their job using a natural rhythm of movement.
• Arrangement of the Work Place supports best practices by locating tools, equipment and materials where operators can easily reach and use them.
• Design of Tools and Equipment concerns designing tools and equipment that a person can use to complete their tasks efficiently and with good ergonomics

Considerations:

•  Perhaps that best and most complete way to apply these principles is through the use of a checklist or rating form as in the provided example.  This form can be used when either designing a new job or when evaluating an existing job for improvement.
• Practice makes perfect -- If method changes are made to a job, make sure to have the person practice the new method until it can be done smoothly and has become a habit.
• Consider how a rating form can be used to measure and track specific improvements made during organization-wide improvement efforts.