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.