Human Factors 1.1

Design Technology - Unit 1.1, Human Factors (Ergonomics and Anthropometry)

Ergonomics

Applying knowledge of human-product interaction in the design process.

Physical Ergonomics

Ergonomics that deals with physical processes and body measurements

Examples of Physical Ergonomics

Size, strength, physical capacity, posture, physical health and injury, etc.

Cognitive Ergonomics

Deals with mental processes that affect human-human interaction.

Examples of Cognitive Ergonomics

Perception, Memory, reasoning, motor response, etc.

Anthropometrics

The part of ergonomics that deals with body measurements.

Static measurements

Measurements when the body is in a fixed position - Structural

Examples of static measurements

Height, skin, bulk, etc

Design Contexts - Static Measurements

chair height, door width

Dynamic measurements

Functional - measurements relating to dynamic positions, such as the range or reach of various movements.

Examples of dynamic measurements

reach, grip strength, reaction times, etc

Design Contexts - Dynamic Measurements

can openers, car console features

Primary data

Collected by the researcher/designer themselves

Secondary data

Collected from a database

Percentile range

That proportion of a population with a dimension at or less than a given value. Ex: the 50% percentile range represents half the population.

Reach/Workspace envelope

The 3D space that you can carry out physical activities in a fixed position. 5th -95th percentile.

Clearance

The minimum distance required to enable the user through or into an area. Ex: a door.