Anthropometrics and Ergonomics

Anthropometrics

Study of human dimensions

Anthropometrics static/structural

bodily measurements

examples of anthropometrics static/structural

size of hand or height

benefit of anthropometrics static/structural

reliable

anthropometrics dynamic/functional

measurements of body in motion

anthropometrics dynamic/functional examples

range of motion

benefit of anthropometrics dynamic/functional

useful

Ergonomics

application of anthropometric data

physical ergonomics

size of human body in regards to the space its in

 Cognitive ergonomics

study of how well a product matches users’ cognitive ability

clearance

Physical space between two objects: two people at a table

Adjustability

Non static design that allows people to adjust product for their use

Range of sizes

Same product coming in multiple sizes

observation

method of collecting psychological factor data by watching user interact with the product

surveys and interviews

method of collecting psychological factor data to get insight and feedback

standardized testing

method of collecting psychological factor data by measuring aptitude using a scale

case studies

method of collecting psychological factor data by analyzing a product to see what did and did not work

ordinal example

shirt sizes

Nominal

data scale for psychological factors with two or more distinct categories

Nominal example

gender

ordinal

data scale for psychological factors categories in ordered sequence

interval

data scale for psychological factors on number scale where order of variable and difference is know

interval example

thermometers

ratio

data scale for psychological factors where variables are not a scale with an order but can not go below zero

ration example

height

physiological factor

data related to major organ systems

physiological factor examples

muscle strength, endurance, hearing

biomechanics

mechanics of living organisms

four criteria of biomechanics

force, repetition, duration, posture

clear cut

entire area of trees is cut down, not good for environment

shelter wood

cut 20-40% of forest and clear out the older trees. Wait another ten years to cut again

plain cut

least amount of waste, cheapest, prone to defects

Quarter cut

more expensive, produces more waste, less defects

rift sawn

time consuming, large waste, most expensive, best material, stable

particle board

larger saw dust epoxied together with thin material on top

MDF

fine saw dust epoxied together

plywood

made of veneers (thin layers cut off a log)

LVL

lumber engineered to be bigger