Ergonomics and Anthropometrics

Question 1

Ergonomics definition

Answer 1

The relationship / link between the product / environment and the user, making the product easy to use / comfortable / safe / the correct size

Question 2

Anthropometrics definition

Answer 2

The measurement of human sizes

Question 3

How might a designer use Anthropometric data

Answer 3

• the target population for the product identified
• specific data acquired/ measurements taken
• data would provide distribution curve
• an appropiriate percentile range would be considered (i.e., 5th to 95th) / maximum- minimum sizes

Question 4

Why might designers exclude a number of people from a design?

Answer 4

• it is not ergonomic to design for those outside the percentile range as there is so few of them
• products will be designed to fit
• some products will be designed for the average person
• some products will incorporate adjustments
• some products will be designed in a range of sizes
• people vary in size so not everyone can be provided for
• needs to fit the majority
• its difficult to fit everybody needs due to extremes

Question 5

Why is ergonomics important?

Answer 5

• people come in all shapes and sizes
• takes account of all human measurements
• designers make products usable for the majority of people
• it makes the product easier to use / more comfortable
• can improve health i.e.. reduce back pain
• poor ergonomics can affect productivity
• makes a product fit for its purpose