The Therblig System of Motions is a compilation of 18 elemental motions, called therbligs that one is required to do, in varying sequences, in order to perform a workplace task.
The motions in the system are comprised of: search,find, select, grasp, hold, transport loaded, transport empty, position, assemble, use, disassemble, inspect, preposition, release load, unavoidable delay, avoidable delay, plan, and rest.
Although they are not pure or fundamental elements (in the sense that they cannot be further subdivided) they are considered one of the best classifications of hand motions created.
While the Therblig System of Motions was originally applied to physical manual labour tasks, this research considers it in a different light, by applying to the digital environment.
Through the deconstruction of digital gestures into sequences of motion, the visuals below explore the relationship between physical hand motions and digital gestures, experimenting with alternative approaches to visualising motion-gesture relationships related to simple, habitual digital tasks.
Through the analysation of digital gestures using the Therblig system, this research explores the role of the physical body within the digital working environment.
_select refers to the choice of one object from among several.