Understanding the Average Person
- Refers to targeting the 50th percentile, the statistical midpoint of a population.
- Countertop height based on the 50th percentile adult male.
- Toy or tool size based on the 50th percentile child’s hand.
- Very few people are average in all dimensions.
- A person might be average in height but have:
- Longer-than-average arms.
- Smaller-than-average hands.
- Designing only for the average can unintentionally exclude many users.
Note
Very few people are truly “average” in all dimensions
Note
- Designing for the 50th percentile adult or child means creating products that fit the "average" person.
- However, this approach often excludes those at the extremes, such as very tall or short individuals.
Analogy
- Consider designing a shoe for the average foot size.
- While it might fit some people, it will be too small for those with larger feet and too large for those with smaller feet.
Why Designing for the Average is Problematic
- Excludes Users at the Extremes
- Products based on the average often don’t fit people at the edges of the population range.
- This can cause discomfort, inefficiency, or even safety hazards.
- Lacks Flexibility
- Designs centered on the average are less adaptable to diverse users and situations.
- This limits a product’s versatility and inclusiveness.
- Ignores Cultural and Regional Differences
- The "average person" varies across cultures and regions.
- Designing for a global audience requires broader anthropometric data and cultural awareness.
Note
- In some cultures, average body sizes may differ significantly from global norms.
- Designing for a specific region without considering these differences can lead to products that are unsuitable for other markets.
Note
- Inclusive design aims to overcome these limitations by considering a broader range of users.
- However, it’s not always possible to include everyone due to:
- Physical or technical constraints
- Conflicting user needs
- Cost or complexity of making everything adjustable
Designing Beyond the Average
- Designers often use percentile ranges (e.g., 5th to 95th percentile) to accommodate a broader spectrum of users.
- This approach helps:
- Increase usability for more people.
- Reduce exclusion without overcomplicating the design.
- Identify where adjustability or modularity can be introduced.
Theory of Knowledge
To what extent should designers prioritise inclusivity over cost and efficiency?
