Physical Human Factors (11/1)
Introduction to Anthropometrics and Ergonomics
Today we welcomed Wayne Chung, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies at the School of Design to speak on the importance of anthropometry and ergonomics in design.
The main objectives of the anthropometrics and ergonomics fields are to ensure fit, safety, and comfort for particular task(s) over a period of time.
Anthropometry
Anthropometry is the systematic measurement and study of body dimensions, with particular respect to a comparative basis. The field has evolved drastically over time, playing a role in documenting and tracking living standards, understanding the physical development of populations, and assessing the well-being of societies.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics, or Human Factors, is concerned with understanding interactions among humans and other elements of a system. Professions in the field apply principles, theory, and methods to design for the purpose of optimizing human well-being and overall system performance.
Anthropometric data can be utilized to determine the shape, size, and energy needed to activate or move some part of the product or object. In this manner, the final form allows for appropriate ergonomic considerations.
Considerations
When designing with anthropometric data:
- Designing for an average is not inclusive: the “average person fallacy” and myth of the “average” man
- Design for appropriate extremes
- Design for adjustable range: 5th to 95th percentile = 90%
Sheldon’s Somatotypes
Sheldon’s somatotypes exist as categorizations of different body types. However, there are continuous variables in all of us, varying ratios that don’t conform to a specific model.
Range
Often, anthropometric data averages encompass the envelope we want to aim for instead of a dead center target. Dimensions across humans vary greatly- over reliance on models and averages can dangerously simplify and narrow the range of who a design accommodates and is safe for.
Dimensions
Static dimensions are fixed position measures such as stature and length. Dynamic, or functional dimensions describe functional movements like range of motion and reach envelopes.
Why is workplace ergonomics important?
As Wayne quipped, “The lawyers of the world are out there”– much of this is built around considerations concerning injury reduction, retention of workforces, and minimization of complications and costly practices related to workplace-related injuries.
Ergonomic Criteria
- Size
- Reach
- Clearance
- Posture
- Strength
Ergonomics for Interaction Designers
Ergonomics isn’t just for environments and product designers– digital technologies are grounded in the physical realm, through things such as interfaces, device peripherals, and displays. For example, mobile device interfaces are often designed for right-handed folks, resulting in awkward gestures and reach for left-handed users.
Proxemics
Proxemics is the study of the human use of space within certain cultures, with the idea that our perceptions of space are molded and patterned by cuture. The proxemics of people has expanded to now include the proxemics of technologies– the invisible proxemics that are present across digital technologies and devices, and which permeate our lives.
Activity
As a class, we collected three measurements individually, and then compiled them to visualize similarities and differences. Just within our limited sample size, a wide range of dimensions demonstrated the challenges and considerations involved when designing for the human form.
Anthropometrics play a vital role in designing objects, services, and systems that have an appropriate fit, are comfortable, will encourage people to want to use and engage with them, and have longevity.
