Operative temperature is a measure that combines both air temperature and radiant temperature to assess how warm or cool a person feels in a given environment. It considers factors like humidity, air movement, and surface temperatures of surrounding objects, providing a more accurate representation of thermal comfort than air temperature alone. This concept is important in fields such as building design, HVAC systems, and occupational health, as it helps create comfortable indoor environments. By understanding operative temperature, designers and engineers can optimize conditions for productivity and well-being in various settings, from homes to workplaces.