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Learning objectives
Learning objectives
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Background on anthropometrics
If a product is going to be successful and meet the needs of the user group, product designers must use specific information about the user group, such as their dimensions and physical characteristics. The dimensions of the human body are called anthropometrics. This word refers to the actual measurements of body parts, e.g. the length of an arm or the width of a foot. Anthropometrics are vital to product design because they are one of the key product criteria that designers use when developing solutions.
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Anthropology
Metric
Anthropology is the study of humankind. Metric describes the universal unit of measurement. When they are combined, they mean the study of human measurements.
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A design for an executive office desk for A childrens keyboard must have use in the USA would need to take into keys sized for childrens fingers. account the anthropometric data for working adults from America.
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Shortest 1.5m
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Average 1.68m
Tallest 1.85m
Could you plot individual heights on the graph and draw a line through them? Does it look like the graph on the previous slide? If not, are there any obvious reasons why?
Boardworks Ltd 2005
Anthropometric constraints
Its important to think about whether to use the 5th, 50th or 95th percentile anthropometric data.
Consider the following design scenarios and discuss why the particular range has been used.
Designing a car dashboard 5th percentile measurements are used so that smaller people can reach the instruments easily.
Designing an aircraft seat 95th percentile measurements are used so that larger people can sit in the seat.
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Anthropometric constraints
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Ergonomics
What is ergonomics?
The word ERGONOMICS comes from the Greek language:
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Ergonomics
Ergonomists study products, systems and environments and how they fit with their users. As a product designer, you will need to consider how well a product meets the ergonomic needs of its user group in performing a task. If the relationship between these aspects in the circle is weak, the product is ergonomically unsuitable. How would a specification, a product analysis and anthropometric data be useful in this scenario?
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Designing a kitchen
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Car seats
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Designing a chair
The same chair is being used by a 50th percentile person, a 5th percentile person and a 95th percentile person. How could the design of the chair be improved to suit all three people?
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Plenary
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Key points
Key points
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Anthropometrics is the study of body measurements and statistical data concerning the sizes and shapes of the population. Ergonomics is the relationship between a product and its users. All people fall into the 5th, 50th and 95th anthropometric percentile range. User group, posture, clearance, reach and strength are all important factors in anthropometrics and ergonomics.