1.1a Anthropometrics (DP Design Technology)

Primary data collection

(also called field research) involves the collection of data that does not already exist. This can be through numerous forms, including questionnaires and telephone interviews amongst others.

Secondary data collection

(also known as desk research) involves the summary, collation and/or synthesis of existing data rather than new data. Data has previously been collected from research subjects or experiments by another party.

Types of Human Factors

1. Physical (Physiological) ergonomics 2. Cognitive (Psychological) ergonomics 3. Organizational ergonomics.

Dynamic (Functional) Anthropometry includes:

1. Reach (e.g. could be arm length plus extended torso length) 2. Clearance (e.g. two people fitting through a doorway) 3. Volumetric data or kineosphere (The concept of a "kineosphere" is defined as the "space which can be reached by easily extended limbs").

Human Factors aims to

1. Reduce stress and fatigue in people's use of a product 2. Increase safety 3. Increase ease of use 4. Enhance operational comfort 5. Improve system performance, reliability and maintenance.

Static (Structural) Anthropometry includes:

1. Skeletal dimensions - measurements of length of bones between joint centres. 2. Soft tissue measurements - the wobbly stuff that covers our bodies - muscle, fat, skin, bulk.

Ergonome

2D scaled physical anthropometric model based on a specific percentile of human forms.

Workspace envelope

3-dimensional space within which you carry out physical work activities when you are at a fixed location.

Mannequin

An anatomical 3D model of the human body.

Adjustability

Certain products tend to be available in different sizes or can modify their size to fit all.

Human Factors

Human factors design ensures that products, organizations, environments and systems are compatible with the needs and limitations of people.

Ergonomics

The application of scientific information concerning the relationship of human beings (shape) to the design of objects, systems and environments.

Anthropometry

The branch of ergonomics that deals with body shape and size.

Anthropometric Data

The measurement and collection of data concerning the different sizes of men, women and children.

Clearance

The minimum distance required to enable the user group into or through an area.

Dynamic Data (also known as Functional data)

refers to measurements taken during physical activities, e.g. crawling height, overhead reach and a range of upper body movements.

Static Data (also known as Structural data)

refers to measurements taken while while the subject is in a fixed or standard position, e.g. height, arm length.

Anthropometrics

the study of sizes of humans.