1.1 Anthropometrics
Human Factors: how humans interact with the elements of a system; comfort design +
functional design + user-friendly systems
reduces stress
increases safety and ease of use
enhances comfort
improves perfomance, reliability and maintenance
Ergonomics is the science of refining the design of products to optimise them for human use.
Anthropometrics refers to the measurement of an individual. Deals with body
measurements- eg: areas of size, strength and capacity. It is the study of different sizes of
people.
Types of Ergonomics:
Physical- posture, worksite development, movement, etc.
Cognitive- mental processes like perception, memory, reasoning and motor responses.
Organisational- communication, work design, teamwork, quality management.
Types of Anthropometric data:
Static- measurements taken when the subject is in a fixed or a standard position.
Dynamic- measurements taken during physical activity or movement.
Percentile Range: usually 5th percentile to 95th percentile (50th percentile is average)
Types of anthropometric data collection:
Primary- involves collecting data that doesn’t already exist.
Secondary- summary and synthesis of existing data.
Range of sizes: a selection of sizes for a product is made to cater the majority of the market.
Adjustability: the ability of a product to be changed in size.
1.1 Anthropometrics 1
, Clearance: physical distance between two objects, the minimum space a user needs to go into
or through an area.
Reach (Workspace envelope): the distance a person can stretch to or grasp an object from a
specified position, 3D space where you carry out your physical work activities when in a
fixed position.
Primary zone- your forearm can reach without any movement.
Secondary zone- you need to stretch your arm to reach.
1.1 Anthropometrics 2
Human Factors: how humans interact with the elements of a system; comfort design +
functional design + user-friendly systems
reduces stress
increases safety and ease of use
enhances comfort
improves perfomance, reliability and maintenance
Ergonomics is the science of refining the design of products to optimise them for human use.
Anthropometrics refers to the measurement of an individual. Deals with body
measurements- eg: areas of size, strength and capacity. It is the study of different sizes of
people.
Types of Ergonomics:
Physical- posture, worksite development, movement, etc.
Cognitive- mental processes like perception, memory, reasoning and motor responses.
Organisational- communication, work design, teamwork, quality management.
Types of Anthropometric data:
Static- measurements taken when the subject is in a fixed or a standard position.
Dynamic- measurements taken during physical activity or movement.
Percentile Range: usually 5th percentile to 95th percentile (50th percentile is average)
Types of anthropometric data collection:
Primary- involves collecting data that doesn’t already exist.
Secondary- summary and synthesis of existing data.
Range of sizes: a selection of sizes for a product is made to cater the majority of the market.
Adjustability: the ability of a product to be changed in size.
1.1 Anthropometrics 1
, Clearance: physical distance between two objects, the minimum space a user needs to go into
or through an area.
Reach (Workspace envelope): the distance a person can stretch to or grasp an object from a
specified position, 3D space where you carry out your physical work activities when in a
fixed position.
Primary zone- your forearm can reach without any movement.
Secondary zone- you need to stretch your arm to reach.
1.1 Anthropometrics 2
