Dtech Unit 1

Anthropometrics

The aspect of ergonomics that deals with body measurements, particularly those of size, strength, and physical capacity.

Static (Structural) Data

Human body measurements when the subject is still, such as height or joint-to-joint distances.

Dynamic (Functional) Data

Human body measurements taken when the subject is in motion, relating to the range or reach of body movements.

Primary Data

Data collected by a user for a specific purpose, often involving specialized groups.

Secondary Data

Data collected by someone other than the user, available in databases or books.

Percentile Range

The proportion of a population with a dimension at or less than a given value, often used in design contexts.

Clearance

The physical space between two objects, like space between people in a doorway.

Reach

The range a person can stretch to touch or grasp an object from a specified position.

Adjustability

The ability of a product to be changed in size to accommodate different sizes.

Range of Sizes

A selection of sizes that a product is made in to cater to a majority of the market.

Psychological Factors

Human factor data related to psychological interpretations caused by light, smell, sound, taste, temperature, and texture.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive data that explains how people think or feel; often gathered from interviews or focus groups.

Quantitative Data

Data measured and recorded using numbers, suitable for statistical analysis.

Human Information Processing System

An automatic system comprising inputs, processes, and outputs to interpret information and react.

Environmental Factors

External elements like sound, temperature, lighting, air quality, and smell that affect individual performance.

Perception

The way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted.

Alertness

The level of vigilance, readiness, or caution of an individual, influenced by environmental factors.

Nominal (Data) Scale

Classification of objects into discrete groups by name, with no measurement within or between categories.

Ordinal (Data) Scale

Data ranked in order or position, where numerical values indicate sequence but not magnitude.

Interval (Data) Scale

Numeric scales where the order and the exact difference between values are known; intervals are of equal size.

Ratio (Data) Scale

Numeric scales with a true zero, allowing comparison of differences between numbers.

Biomechanics

The research and analysis of the mechanics of living organisms, focusing on the interaction between biological systems and mechanical forces.

Physiological Factor Data

Information related to bodily functions and limits that designers use to optimize user safety, comfort, and performance. This includes data on muscle strength, endurance, visual acuity, temperature tolerance, and more.

Comfort

The state of physical ease and well-being provided by a product or environment, which varies between individuals. For example, mattress firmness affects comfort levels in beds.

Fatigue

The state of physical or mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or activity. It can affect user performance and safety, making it crucial for designers to consider in product design to reduce fatigue.

Comfort and Fatigue Data Collection

Methods used to gather information about how comfort and fatigue impact users, such as performance testing, user trials, and observations. This data helps in designing products that enhance comfort and reduce fatigue.

Muscle Strength

The force that muscles can exert, which affects how products are designed for usability and functionality, such as handles and lifting mechanisms.

Endurance

The capacity of an individual to sustain physical or mental effort over time. This factor influences product design to ensure users can use products comfortably for extended periods.

Torque

The rotational force applied to a product, such as in can openers or jar lids. Proper torque considerations are essential for user ease and safety.