Human Factors Chapter 5 Mr. Higgins

Objectives Describe the humans factors that affect cabinet design Describe the humans factors that affect cabinet design List standard dimensions for common cabinets and furniture List standard dimensions for common cabinets and furniture Identify safety factors that affect cabinet design Identify safety factors that affect cabinet design

Intro Cabinetry must fit the needs Cabinetry must fit the needs of the people who use it. Human Factors Human Factors Body Measurements and other distances should be known. Then the product can be designed worth the user in mind. Body Measurements and other distances should be known. Then the product can be designed worth the user in mind. When designing cabinets you should consider When designing cabinets you should consider How far people can reach sitting or standing How far people can reach sitting or standing Safety Safety People’s limits on stooping People’s limits on stooping Space Problems confronting the elderly and disabled Space Problems confronting the elderly and disabled Line of sight problems Line of sight problems Physical body dimensions of the user Physical body dimensions of the user

Standard Dimension Standard Dimensions Standard Dimensions Based on the average size child or adult Based on the average size child or adult Architectural Standards Architectural Standards Specify height, width, and length in building design Specify height, width, and length in building design Height Height 36” above the floor 36” above the floor 25” Countertops extend from the wall 25” Countertops extend from the wall 18” space from base cabinet and wall cabinet 18” space from base cabinet and wall cabinet These are standard dimensions are inconvenient for individuals who are not average size These are standard dimensions are inconvenient for individuals who are not average size

Standard Dimensions Height and Width Height and Width The width and length of large appliances, tables etc. every in size The width and length of large appliances, tables etc. every in size Ranges and Refrigerators very from 24 – 48” Ranges and Refrigerators very from 24 – 48” Standing Standing Many activities require the user to stand while using a cabinet. When standing people perform three activities Many activities require the user to stand while using a cabinet. When standing people perform three activities Reach out in all directions Reach out in all directions Bend at the waist Bend at the waist Bending down using your knee and hip joint Bending down using your knee and hip joint

Counters Counter Counter Top surface of a cabinet Top surface of a cabinet Average height of built in cabinet is 36” with the opening 34 1/2” Average height of built in cabinet is 36” with the opening 34 1/2” Low countertops Low countertops Counters can be dropped to 32” to aide people Counters can be dropped to 32” to aide people High Counters High Counters Built in bars are usually 42” this fits Built in bars are usually 42” this fits the person behind the bar Restroom Counters Restroom Counters Are normally 32” Are normally 32”

Sitting Seat heights are measured from floor to top of compressed seat cushion. Seat heights are measured from floor to top of compressed seat cushion. Chairs - Should be designed for comfort and convenes Chairs - Should be designed for comfort and convenes Two styles of chairs are straight and lounge Two styles of chairs are straight and lounge Straight chairs are used for working or dining Straight chairs are used for working or dining Lounge Chairs are used for relaxing Lounge Chairs are used for relaxing Standard Chair dimensions FIG 5-6 Standard Chair dimensions FIG 5-6 Seat height 17” average between Seat height 17” average between Seat depth varied Seat depth varied Backrest angles greater then 30 degrees must have a headrest Backrest angles greater then 30 degrees must have a headrest Armrest –aid when rising from a chair, or relaxing when working Armrest –aid when rising from a chair, or relaxing when working Seat to armrest is 8.5” Seat to armrest is 8.5” Spacing between rest is 19-22” Spacing between rest is 19-22”

Tables Desk Room for the person to move, and not be pinched between the table and chair Room for the person to move, and not be pinched between the table and chair Compressed chair and table should be 11” apart Compressed chair and table should be 11” apart Table heights – Fig 5-7 Table heights – Fig 5-7 Table and Desk are the same height of 29-30” Table and Desk are the same height of 29-30” Card Tables and Sewing Cabinets are 28” Card Tables and Sewing Cabinets are 28” Surfaces for computers are 26” Surfaces for computers are 26” End Tables and Night Stands are 18-24” End Tables and Night Stands are 18-24” Coffee Tables are 11-18” high Coffee Tables are 11-18” high

Wheel Chairs Present a special concern for designers Present a special concern for designers Go over chart fig 5-9 Go over chart fig 5-9

Line of Sight Area that a person can see Area that a person can see Straight line between the person and the object Straight line between the person and the object Standing and sitting Standing and sitting 10 degrees down 10 degrees down 15 degrees left or right 15 degrees left or right

Human Factors and Safety Most accidents or injuries occur at home Most accidents or injuries occur at home Striking the corner of the cabinet Striking the corner of the cabinet Furniture for adult may be unsafe for children and vise versa Furniture for adult may be unsafe for children and vise versa Falling Objects Falling Objects Cuts bruises, or more series injuries Cuts bruises, or more series injuries Children's Reach Children's Reach Pull something hazards on them Pull something hazards on them Lockable cabinets, keep out of reach Lockable cabinets, keep out of reach

Summery Comfort connivance and safety are often over looked. Comfort connivance and safety are often over looked. Read Section Read Section