Applied Motion Study
A Collection Method to industrial Preparedness

182 APPLIED MOTION STUDY Let us suppose now that any type of work, formerly considered monotonous, is being done according to the methods prescribed by motion study, and let us see exactly how the element of monotony has been eliminated through motion study results. The method being used is as “ habitual ” as is possible, that is to say, the body is performing the same activity by as nearly as possible the same method every time, with the least possible amount of active attention on the work in hand. There is a careful allowance for fatigue. There is, therefore, no possibility of the body’s becoming unduly tired. In the meantime, the active attention and all the higher power of the mind are free, free for the planning of de- tails, free to plan new work, or free to do what they please. It would be much if motion study could claim only that it freed attention and these other higher powers to a much greater extent than did the older work methods, but the chief claim of motion study lies not in this freeing of the mind, but in the fact that it actually supplies work for the mind to do. Just what, then, are these provisions for men- tal stimulus?