Influence on design of anthropometrics and ergonomics

Anthropometrics & Ergonmics:

Sources and applications of anthropometric data:

• Statistical data available from BSI is associated with heights of men, women and children
• The height of which 5% are shorter is known as 5^th percentile
• The height of which 5% are taller is known as 95^th percentile
• Designers use these values to try and fit a product from the 5^th to 95^th percentile
• Anthropometric data will vary for different ages and parts of the world
• Can be gathered by designers for certain genders/groups

Sources of anthropometric data:

• BSI
• ISO
• WHO

Uses for anthropometric data: TV remote, PS4 controller

Ergonomic factors for a designer to consider when developing products and environments with which humans react:

• Ergonomics is the study of how people interact with products and their working environment
• Matching the product to user
• Improves peoples lives by increasing their comfort and satisfaction
• Data about the size and shape of the human body is required (anthropometrics)

A quantitative (measurable) approach predicts the physical fit of the product to the human body shape, encompassing workload, speed of performance and errors

A qualitative (opinion based) approach predicts user comfort and their satisfaction with the product, so it has the optimum interaction with the user

Uses: Ergonomic handles, chairs, computer desk heights

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