Anthropometry Rebecca W. Boren, Ph.D. IEE 437/547 Introduction to Human Factors Engineering Arizona State University November 9, 2011

Anthropometry  The study and measurement of human body dimensions.

Data are used to develop design guidelines for heights, clearances, grips, and reaches of workplaces and equipment for the purpose of accommodating the body dimensions of the potential work force.

Anthropometric data are applied in the design of consumer products such as clothes, automobiles, bicycles, furniture, hand tools, etc.

Human Variability  Age  Gender  Racial & ethnic group  Occupation  Generational  Transient diurnal (time of day)

People come in all shapes and sizes.

Young

And old

Different ethnicities

Variety & Diversity

Gender Height, size, weight, strength, and body proportion. Age Height, size, weight, strength, and body proportion. Ethnicity Height, size, weight, and body segment proportion Anthropometric Variance Parameters

Anthropometry of Motor Vehicle Occupants

From Jockeys to Basketball Players Height matters

Data  Structural data are measurements taken with the body in static positions. (examples: height, waist, length of the forearm)

Data  Functional (dynamic) anthropometric data are obtained when the body adopts various working postures (ex. reach envelope of the right hand)

Most human measurements fit the normal distribution  Height  Weight  Reach  Shoe size  Clothing sizes Most anthropometric data comes from military data.

Normal distribution  Percentiles - 50th is the mean of the population. 50th16th84th

Percentiles  A percentile is the percent of the population with a body dimension of a certain size or smaller. For example: a man in the 37th percentile for stature (height) is taller than 37% of the male population and shorter than 63%.

Use of anthropometric data in design  Determine the intended users.  Determine the relevant body dimensions.  Determine the percentage of the population to be accommodated.

Use of anthropometric data in design  Determine the percentage of the population to be accommodated. Design for the extremes (safety) Design for adjustable range (seats and steering wheels of cars; office chairs) Design for the average as a last resort (checkout counters)

Use of anthropometric data in design  Determine the percentile value of the selected anthropometric dimension (5%, 95%, or some other). Example: design a stool to accommodate the 95th percentile of male body weight. That should include most people. Design a tray to be carried by workers to be light enough for the 5th percentile of women.

Use of anthropometric data in design  Make necessary modifications to the data to take in to consideration clothing, gloves, and headwear.  Use mock-ups or simulators to test the design.

General Principles Reach requirements - consider the smallest users (5th percentile)

General Principles Reach requirements - consider the smallest users (5th percentile)

General Principles Clearance requirements - consider the largest users (95th percentile)

Adjustability requirements  Adjusting the workplace (shape, location, and orientation of the workplace)

Adjustability requirements  Adjusting the worker position relative to the workplace (change in seat height, use of platforms or step-up stools)

Adjustability requirements  Adjusting the work piece (lift tables, parts bin for easier access)

Adjustability requirements  Adjusting the tool (ex. adjustable length tool) Lightweight snow scraper with extension

Here are two examples of adjustable seating.

Questions?