ERGONOMICS AND ANTHROPOMETRICS

ERGONOMICS:

Ergonomics is the study of the interaction between the human body, products and the surrounding environment. It is a key factor in the design of all products from furniture to handheld gadgets. It is an essential part of the design process. The main objective for ergonomists is to improve consumer's lives by increasing their comfort when using products. When ergonomics is incorporated into industry machinery and tooling it can increase efficiency, productivity and reduce errors/accidents. The principles of ergonomics involve designers understanding how humans interact and with products. The methods of focussing on human performance take either a quantitative approach or a qualitative approach. The quantitative approach related to the physical fit of the human body in relation to speed of performance and workload. The qualitative approach related to the overall comfort experienced by the user. Everyday situations can be hazardous to health by persistently subjecting the human body to positions and situations that are not comfortable. In western countries, musculoskeletal system (e.g lower back pain) and psychological illness (e.g stress) lead to the greatest significance of absenteeism from work. These conditions can be caused by poor quality ergonomic design of equipment. Therefore in the workplace, improved ergonomics can increase productivity.

 

ANTHROPOMETRICS:

Anthropometrics is the use of body measurements to determine the optimum size for products for comfortable and efficient use. Examples of anthropometric data include:

- How far people can reach;

- How much space people need;

- How much force they can exert;

- Height of a person;

- Length of arms/legs etc.

Many production companies use anthropometric data when designing. The designer's aim is to achieve as good an anthropometric match for as many potential consumers as possible.

50th Percentile: the average or most common anthropometric measurements from a sample.
95th Percentile: the upper limiting anthropometric measurement. Designers usually produce  designs for body sized between the 5th and 95th percentile as this takes in the majority of users.