Lecture 2 - Anthropometry

Question 1

define anthropometry

Answer 1

anthrop - human
metrico - of or pertaining to measurement

the science of measurment of body size
- > (more detailed) the application of scientific methods to human subjects for the development of design standards and specific requirements and for the evaluation of engineering drawings, mock-ups and manufactured products for the purposes of assuring the suitability of these products for the intended user population

Question 2

classical measurement terms

Answer 2

• > height (point to point vertical)
• > breadth (point to point horizontal)
• > depth (point to point horizontal running front/back of body)
• > distance (point to point body landmarks)
• > curvature
• > circumference (close measurement of a body contour)
• > reach

Question 3

sources of anthropometric variability

Answer 3

• > growth, development and aging
• > gendre
• > culture
• > secular (historical)
• > social class and occupation

Question 4

mean vs standard deviation

Answer 4

• > Standard deviation is basically used for the variability of data and frequently use to know the volatility of the stock.
• > A mean is basically the average of a set of two or more numbers

Question 5

describe the design process and how you determine the anthropometric limit of the product

Answer 5

1. determine user population (who will use the product)
2. Determine relevant body dimensions (which body dimensions are the most important for the design problem
3. determine the % age of the population accommodated
4. determine percentile value of the selected anthropometric dimensions (establish and inclusion/exclusion criteria, selection of subjects for fit tests, defines the target group /market)
5. Make necessary design modifications to the date from the anthropometric tables
6. Use mock-ups or simulators to test design

Question 6

contraint vs criteria

Answer 6

• > a constraint is an observable, preferably measurable characteristic of human beings, which has consequences for the design of a particular artifact
• > a criterion is a standard judgement against which the match between user and artifact may be measured

Question 7

four cardinal constraints

Answer 7

1. Anthropometrics
2. Clearance
3. Posture
4. Reach

Question 8

structural vs functional anthropometrics

Answer 8

Structural (static)
- > measurements are taken on the body while the subject is standing/sitting still

Functional (dynamic)
- > when we work, we usually move
- > needed to modify the static data
- > have to be adjustable, one size fits all is not realistic and there is variability in measurements and movements

Question 9

4 general approaches of functional anthropometrics

Answer 9

1. adjust the workplace
   - > adjusting the shape, location, and orientation of workplace. (i.e. surface cutouts)
2. adjust the worker position relative to the workplace
   - > done when workplace adjustments are not feasible (conflicts with other equipment, budget constranits, ect.)
3. adjust the workpiece
   - > i.e. adjust the height of the workpiece
4. adjust the tool
   - > allow people with different anthropometrics to use tools

Question 10

ideal visibility and line of sight

Answer 10

10-15 deg below the horizon line

Question 11

Things to consider when finding anthropometric values

Answer 11

1. Source
   - > getting it from gen/pop, millitary,
2. Accuracy
3. Clothing Correction
4. Standard Postures
5. Target population