IB Design Topic 1.1a - Anthropometrics (Human Factors & Ergonomics)

Ergonomics

The science of refining the design of products to optimize them for human use and interaction.

Anthropometrics

The study of body measurements, focusing on size, strength, and physical abilities.

Physical Ergonomics

Focuses on how our bodies interact with workspaces. It includes topics like posture, workspace design, material handling, and preventing injuries from repetitive movements.

Cognitive Ergonomics

Studies how mental processes like perception, memory, and reasoning impact how people interact with systems and tools.

Organizational Ergonomics

Focuses on how to improve work systems through better communication, teamwork, work design, and management of work hours.

Static Data

Refers to measurements taken when a person is in a fixed position, like height or arm length.

Skeletal dimensions

Measurements of length of bones between joint centres.

Soft tissue measurements

The wobbly stuff that covers our bodies - muscle, fat, skin, bulk.

Dynamic Data

Human body measurements taken when the subject is in motion related to range and reach of various body movements

Reach

The maximum distance a person can extend their arms to grasp or manipulate objects.

Clearance

The space needed above or around a person to ensure safe movement and avoid obstacles.

Volumetric Data/Kineosphere

The space that can be easily reached by extending one's limbs. It’s also known as "gestural space" or "zone of reach."

Percentile Range

The percentage of a population that has measurements equal to or less than a specific value.

5th Percentile

Individuals whose measurements are smaller than 95% of the population in a specific group. This means they are among the smallest in that category.

95th Percentile

Individuals whose measurements are larger than 95% of the population in a specific group. This means they are among the largest in that category.

5th-95th Percentile

Includes 90% of the population in a specific group. It represents the typical size or ability for most individuals, excluding the smallest 5% and the largest 5%.

Primary Data

Data collected by a user for a specific purpose

Secondary Data

Data collected by someone other than the user.

Range of Sizes

A selection of sizes a product is made in that caters for the majority of a market.

Adjustability

The ability of a product to be changed in size, commonly used to increase the range of percentiles that a product is appropriate for.