Understanding Anthropometrics in Design
Anthropometrics
Measurement of the human physical dimensions (e.g., height, arm length, reach), collected as static or dynamic data and often expressed in percentile ranges.
Static Data
Static Data
Static anthropometric data are body measurements taken when a person is still and in a standard position, such as arm length or overhead reach.
- Static Data is measurements collected when the human body is static (still).
- Data can be collected using callipers (breadth, diameter and depth of a body part), a stadiometer (vertical height) or an anthropometer (length between two fixed points).
- Chair - measurement of knee to foot length is used to calculate the correct height for sitting comfortably on a chair.
- Standing table - measurement of elbow height when seated to ensure proper desk height.
- Door Width and Height - measurement of shoulder breadth and overall height to ensure doorways accommodate various body sizes.
Dynamic Data
Dynamic Data
Dynamic anthropometric data are body measurements taken when a person is in motion, such as during walking, reaching, or bending.
- Dynamic Data is measurements collected when the human body is in motion, specifically to measure a person’s reach, strength or movement.
- Data can be collected using motion capture sensors (reach), dynamometers (strength / force) and goniometers (range of movement).
- Reach - the arm reach of a driver to ensure they can reach the dashboard controls of the car.
- Strength - the force required to move or rotate the wheels of a wheelchair.
- Movement - the range of movement of a cyclist's knees when designing the pedal mechanism
The method of data collection and the sample size influence the validity of the anthropometric data collected.
Factors that influence anthropometric data
Age, gender, ethnicity and disability affect anthropometric data.
- Age: children, adolescence, adults and elderly may all differ in body proportions, dimensions and range of movement.
- Gender: males and females often differ in physical dimensions.
- Ethnicity: Cultural and genetic factors can influence body size and shape.
- Disability: Requires specialised data to ensure accessibility and comfort.
- Physical Disabilities: Individuals with mobility impairments may have different body proportions and movement capabilities.
- Sensory Disabilities: People with visual or hearing impairments may require different design considerations to ensure usability and safety.
- Cognitive Disabilities: Individuals with cognitive impairments may need designs that are simpler and more intuitive to use.
- Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as arthritis or muscular dystrophy can affect body dimensions and movement.
- Students often focus only on gender and age when analysing anthropometric data.
- It is also important to consider the impact of ethnicity and disability.
When designing a new sports shoe, in designer needs to consider the factors that will influence the anthropometric data needed:
- Is it for a specific age group or gender?
- Will the product be sold globally?
- Will the product be an inclusive design?
To what extent should designers prioritise inclusivity over cost and efficiency?
Which of the following best illustrates the use of dynamic anthropometric data rather than static data in product design? (1 mark)
- Measuring the width of a person’s hips to design a car seat
- Measuring a person’s arm reach while opening a cupboard door
- Using average head circumference to size bicycle helmets
- Determining foot length to size running shoes
Solution
1 mark for the correct answer: b - Measuring a person’s arm reach while opening a cupboard door
