Applied Anthropometry

The study of human body dimensions and related properties

Topics of Discussion
Overview Learning Outcomes Definition and key concepts Theory and Limitations Applying Anthropometric Data Explanation of Group Projects Break into Groups to Complete Projects Group Presentations (Teach your Classmates) Questions and Answers Time to work in your groups

Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of basic anthropometry theory and cite 5 real world applications. Students will be aware of the need to design for the extremes, for an adjustable range, and for the average. Students will demonstrate beginning skills to define appropriate applications of data and calculate necessary data for a presentation.

Definition
Anthropometry is the study of human body dimensions. Also body volumes, masses of body segments, center of gravity, and inertial properties. Anthropometry is applied to the design of consumer products, work and other places, and equipment.
Adapted from Sanders & McCormick (1993)

Body Postures

Static Anthropometric Measurements

Static = Fixed or not moving Between joint centers Examples Body lengths and contours Examples Measuring tools: Laser (computer), measuring tape, calipers Resource Examples: NASA Anthropometric Source
Book, Dr. J.T. McConville Anthropology Research Project (Yellow Springs) , United Nations

Dynamic Anthropometric Measurements

Dynamic = Functional or with movement No exact conversions for static to dynamic Kromer (1983) offers some rough estimates for converting static to dynamic
e.g. Reduce height (stature, eye, shoulder, hip, etc.) by 3%.

Somatography e.g. A CAD program named SAMMIE e.g. A virtual reality program named dv/Maniken Scale model mock-up

Dynamic Anthropometric Measurements, continued

Envelopes
Work, walking, turning, bending. boundaries, etc.

Graphic depiction of envelopes

Examples

Human Variability Myth of the average human does not exist Human Variability age, sex, societal, daily changes, generational changes, ethnicity

Design Principles
Designing for extreme individuals Design for the maximum population value when a maximum value must accommodate almost everyone. E.g. Doorways, escape apparatus, ladders, etc. This value is commonly the 95th percentile male for the target population. Design for the minimum population value when a minimum value must accommodate almost everyone. E.g. Control panel buttons and the forces to operate them. This value is commonly the 5th percentile female for the target population. (continued )

Design Principles, continued

Designing for an Adjustable Range Designing for the 5th female/95th male of the target population will accommodate 95% of the population. 95% because of the overlap in female/male body dimensions (if the male/female ratio is 50/50). Examples are auto seats, stocking hats Designing for the Average Use where adjustability is impractical, e.g. auto steering wheel, supermarket check-out counter, etc. Where the design is non-critical, e.g. door knob, snack machine, etc.

Designing for Motion

Select the major body joints involved Adjust your measured body dimensions to real world conditions
e.g. relaxed standing/sitting postures, shoes, clothing, hand tool reach, forward bend, etc.

Select appropriate motion ranges in the body joints, e.g. knee angle between 60-105 degrees, or as a motion envelope.
Avoid twisting, forward bending, prolonged static postures, and holding the arms raised.
Karl H.E. Kromer, Virgina Tech, from The Occupational Ergonomics Handbook

7 Steps to Apply Anthropometric Data

Identify important dimensions, e.g. hip breadth for a chair seat. Identify user population, e.g. children, women, U.S. population, world population, etc. Determine principles to use (e.g. extremes, average, adjustable) Select the range to accommodate, e.g any%, 90%, 95% Find the relevant data, e.g. from anthropometric data tables. Make modifications, e.g. adult heavy clothing adds ~4-6 linear inches. Test critical dimensions with a mock-up, user testing, or a virtual model. (Sanders & McCormick 1993)

Resource ListIn your handouts

Sanders and McCormick, 7th Ed., McGraw-Hill, Inc. 1993. Chapter 13 (Data Tables), Chapter 22 PP. 744. (CADSAMMIE CAD, LTD., 1987). Anthropometric Source Book, Part II: A Handbook of Anthropometric Data, National Aeronautics and Space Administration,1978. Article: Human-centric Design - Human-centric Design Advances in manikin software are enabling engineers to consider a fuller spectrum of user interactions with virtual products. By Mark Morrissey It has been 15 years since "Sammie"a computer model of a human, or manikin emerged...-http://www.memagazine.org/contents/current/features/centr... 30-Jan-2000 Note: This article discusses virtual reality in anthropometric measurement. ANTHROPOMETRY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES - (file size - 62K) ANTHROPOMETRY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: NEEDS FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY Task 2: Analysis and Recommendations prepared for U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board Suite 1000 1331 F. Street Washington.--http://www.access-board.gov/pubs/anthro. 30-Jan-2000 Physical Characteristics of Children - Physical Characteristics of Children As Related to Death and Injury for Consumer Product Design and Use UM-HSRI-BI-75-5 Final Report Contract FDA-72-70 May 1975 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN AS RELATED TO DEATH & INJURY FOR CONSUMER PRODUCT.. --http://www.itl.nist.gov/div894/ovrt/projects/anthrokids/c 30-Jan-2000