1. Applied Anthropometry and the Workplace
A. Description of the physical variation in humans by measurement; a basic technique of physical anthropology.
B. The measurement of the
dimensions and certain other
physical characteristics of the
body.

2. Measuring Types
A. Static (structural) - taken while the body is in a static position
1. Skeletal dimensions - joint-to-joint measurement
2. Maximum body width
3. Data available on most
characteristics of the body
NASA Anthropometric Source
Book. (vol 2, 1978)

3. Measuring Types B. Dynamic (functional)
1. Measurements taken while the body is engaged in some kind of activity
a. Driving a car
b. Working at a desk / VDT terminal

4. Applications Principles
1. Design for extremes of individuals (or the population)
a. Maximum: automobile interiors, escape hatches, doorway
b. Minimum: applied force, reach distances
c. Most designs cover 5th
through 95th percentile

5. Principles 2. Design with an adjustable range
a. Design should "fit" 5th through 95th percentile of relevant population
b. Involves a trade-off with cost/complexity
3. Design for the average
- vs. design for the extreme
(seat height, counter tops,
letter height)

6. Principles 4. Variability of population -
Anthropomorphic measurements are a functionof age, gender, nationality, user type and several other factors

7. Applications of Design Principles
A. Bittner
Taking 13 dimensions between 5th and 95th percentile excluded 52% of the population
B. Body dimensions are not perfectly correlated
Short legs with a long torso
in automobile design

8. Applications of Design Principles
C. Physical modeling
1. Computer programs to model human movement
2. Dummies are used to represent specific percentiles
- crash tests for autos

9. General Approach for Design Evaluation
A. Determine the body dimensions which will be important in the use of the system
B. Define the relevant (user) population
C. Which design principle
will be used

10. General Approach for Design Evaluation
D. What percentage of the population it is to be designed for
E. Determine the relevant value from the anthropomorphic tables
F. Add appropriate allowances for special situations
1. Bulky clothing worn in
cold weather
2. Protective clothing worn by
hazardous duty personnel

11. Work Spaces (Envelopes)
A. Work Space Envelope
Defined as the 3-dimensional space around an individual in which it is reasonably optimal for persons to perform some type of manual activity
B. Seated personnel
1. Most important factor in this position is arm reach
a. direction ofreach
b. task to be performed (grasp, fingertip operation)
c. type of reaching motion (restricted/unrestricted)

12. Work Spaces (Envelopes)
2. Design for the minimum (5th percentile) - Makes it useful for 95% of the population
3. Consider apparel worn
C. Standing Personnel
1. vs. seated
a. Larger workspace is defined
(due to ability to bend/reach)
b. Workspace is dynamic
(moves as the person moves)

13. Work Spaces (Envelopes)
D. Clearance Requirements
workers need to fit into awkward or restrictive spaces sometimes.
i.e. maintenance or emergency hatches.

14. Work Surfaces A. Horizontal Surfaces (tables, desks, counters)
1. Normal area - area covered by sweep of the forearm while the upper arm remains in a natural position
2. Maximum area - area which
can be reached by extending
the arm from the shoulder

15. Work Surfaces B. Slanted Surfaces vs. horizontal
a. Eastman and Kodat (use of slanted surfaces, degrees, gives better posture, less fatigue/discomfort
b. Drafting tables, computer keyboards
C. Height of Work Surfaces

16. Work Surfaces Guidelines
a. Make it adjustable where possible (legs/feet, slant)
b. Forearm should be level of slightly down with shoulders relaxed (not hunched)
c. Allow for a "straight" spine (posture) to reduce strain and fatigue in the back muscles/spine
d. Adjustable for type of activity
to be performed

17. Work Surfaces 2. For Standing Personnel
a. Precision work (work level even with or slightly above elbow height)
b. Light / Heavy work (work level should be below elbow height)

18. Seating Principles of Seat Design 1. Back support should be used
a. Lower support most critical to reduce fatigue and eliminate back pain
b. Lordotic (concave) preferred over Kyphotic (convex)

19. Seating 2. Seat height and slope a. Generally, seat height should
be low enough so as to reduce
pressure on the underside of
the thigh (reduces blood flow
to the legs)
b. Common to design seats for
minimum (5th percent)

20. Seating 3. Seat depth and width
a. For public seating, depth should be designed for a minimum while the width should be designed for the maximum
b. Spacing between seats
should be at least 20 inches

21. Guidelines for Seat Design
A. Seat back should provide support for lumbar (lower) area
B. Seat back should have moderate inclination (10-30 degrees)
C. Seat pan should slope back slightly
D. Angle between seat pan
and back is degrees

22. Guidelines for Seat Design
E. Seat height and backrest should be adjustable
F. Seat height designed for small people, width for large people
G. Use moderately contoured seat pan for weight distribution

23. Guidelines for Seat Design: ANSI Standard
Seat Height and Slope:
- fixed height: ”
- adjustable height: ”
- slope: o backward tilt
Seat Depth and Width:
- depth: ”
- width: 18.2”

24. Guidelines for Seat Design: ANSI Standard
Contour and Cushioning:
- contour: tradeoffs between even weight distribution vs. restricting movement and postural fixity.
- cushion: ” thick.
Seat Back:
- angle: minimum o with respect to the seat pan. Up to 120o prefered.
- width: minimum 12” in the lumbar region.
- height: minimum 19.5”.
- lumbar support: 6 - 9” high, 12” wide, positioned ” above seat reference point, and protrude ~ 2” from back rest.