1

Anthropometrics
The study of Anthropometrics (human
measurement) is concerned with the
physical sizes and shapes of
humans.
Of particular interest are the
differences between and among
different populations (men vs. women,
Northern Europeans vs. Japanese).
2

Anthropometric Variance Parameters

Gender
height, size,
weight,
strength, and
body segment
proportion
3

Age
height, size,
weight,
strength,
and body
segment
proportion

Ethnicity
height, size,
weight, and
body segment
proportion

GENDER
height, size, weight, strength, and body segment proportion

AGE
height, size, weight, strength, and body segment proportion

ETHNICITY
height, size, weight, strength, and body segment proportion

Anthropometrics literally means

man (anthro) measurements
(metric).

Percentile (inches)
Male
Measurement

Female

95th

5th

95th

5th

1.Forward Reach

26.9

24.0

25.1

22.2

2.Elbow Height

44.6

39.5

41.5

36.1

3.Knuckle Height

31.0

27.2

28.6

24.8

4.Shoulder Height

60.1

53.2

55.8

48.8

5.Eye Height

68.4

60.9

63.7

56.0

6.Stature

73.2

64.4

67.7

59.5

7.Overhead Reach

84.8

75.2

78.8

69.2

The study of the human body and its

movements.

10

11

It is the measurement of the size

and proportions of the human
body, as well as parameters such
as reach and visual range
capabilities.

12

13

Accurate data on height, weight,

limb, and body segment sizes are
needed to design items ranging
from clothing, furniture,
automobiles, buses, and subway
cars to space shuttles and space
stations.
14

15

16

17

Anthropometrics enables us to
properly size items, including
system interfaces, to "fit" the user.

18

To properly select the data to use, we must

know something about our population
composition, and we must know what
percentage of the population we wish to
accommodate. The anthropometric range
will be much different if we are designing
products for male, professional basketball
players than if we are designing for the
general public.
19

STATURE IN INCHES

20

1st

5th

50th

95th

99th

MEN

63.1

64.8

69.1

73.5

75.2

WOMEN

58.4

60.2

64.1

68.4

70.1

FUNCTIONAL REACH IN INCHES

21

1st

5th

50th

95th

99th

MEN

28.4

29.1

31.5

34.1

35.3

WOMEN

25.9

26.7

28.9

31.4

32.4

In choosing the proper anthropometric

measurements to use, we must know not only the
user population, but also the specific application
or design problem. If we are designing overhead
luggage racks for public transportation,
accommodating 90% of the rider population is
probably sufficient.

22

However, if we are
determining the
position of an
emergency button,
we should design
to accommodate
99% of the rider
population,
including
wheelchair users.
23

* Encircled dimension is that of an Electric Wheelchair

24

High Forward Reach Limit

25

High and Low Side Reach Limits

26

Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of making
the work environment safer and more
comfortable for workers using design
and anthropometric data.
The study of people and their
relationship with the environment
around them.
27

The term ergonomics is derived

from two Greek words: ergon,
meaning work and nomoi, meaning
natural laws. Ergonomists study
human capabilities in relationship to
work demands.

28

Ergonomics draws on many

disciplines in its study of humans and
their environments, including
anthropometry, biomechanics,
engineering, kinesiology, physiology
and psychology.

29

Simply put, human factors involves

working to make the environment
function in a way that seems natural
to people. Although the terms "human
factors" and "ergonomics" have only
been widely known in recent times,
the field's origin is in the design and
use of aircraft during World War II to
improve aviation safety.
30

Whatever you design you must

always keep in mind that it must fit
the person it is designed for. Adults
and children come in all sorts of
shapes and sizes. We all like and
dislike a variety of colors, sounds,
shapes etc.. and so when we design
all these factors must be borne in
mind.
31

32

Conventional Mattress Sizes

Cot 31" x 74
Twin 39" x 75
Hospital Twin 30" x 80
XLTwin 39" x 80
Hospital XXLTwin - 30" x 84
XX-Long Twin 39" x 84
Three Quarter 48" x 75
Rice & Antique Bed - 48" x 75
Full Sofa Bed 54" x 72
Full 54" x 75
XL-Full 54" x 80
XX-Long Full 54" x 84
Queen Sofa Bed 60" x 74
Queen 60" x 80
Olympic Queen 66" x 80
X-Long Queen 60" x 84
Eastern King 76" x 80
King 78" x 80"
* (can also be known as Eastern King)
California King 72" x 84
Western King 72" x 84
7 Foot Round 84
8 Foot Round 96"

33

34

35

36

37

38

When designing a chair it is

important that the chair fits
the person who is going to sit
in it. Usually the seating
height is calculated by
measuring the most
comfortable seating height for
the person. If a number of
people are going to use the
chair then the average
seating height is calculated
for a large number of people.
39

40

41

42

43

44

45

When designing a toy

there are a number of
points to consider. Children
learn from sound, sight,
color, movement and other
aspects. These all
contribute to the
ergonomics or
anthropometrics of a
design.
46

Whatever you are designing

ergonomics and anthropometrics
are always points to consider.

47

Environmental design in the old-fashioned sense

develops physical environments, both interior and
exterior, to meet one or more aesthetic or day-today functional needs, or to create a specific sort of
experience - the focus being the human-designed
environment. Environmental design includes such
specialties as architects, acoustical scientists,
engineers, environmental scientists, landscape
architects, urban planning, interior designers,
lighting designers, and exhibition designers. In
many situations, historic preservation can be added
to this list. Another recent addition to this general
area might be "disability access".
48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

Consider designing a handle for a

door. Handles are designed to fit the
average hand comfortably.
Measurements are taken of the hands
of thousands of people and the
average measurements are worked
out. The design of the handle is based
on these measurements.
56

57

The diagram opposite

shows the
measurement that
would be taken for the
average width of a
hand. Once the
average width of the
hand is worked out,
the door handle can
be designed to fit this
measurement.
58

59

ERGONOMICS - EXAMPLE DRAWINGS

If measuring the comfortable seating height for a person,

draw an ergonomic person sitting on a chair or a stool and
clearly label the distance you are trying to find. 'X' is
marked on the diagram.
60

ERGONOMICS - EXAMPLE DRAWINGS

This diagram displays the comfortable reaching distance of

a designer. The diagram was used in a project which was
aimed at designing a drawing board and adjustable stand.
The reaching distance is labelled 'A'. It is important that
statistics for this distance are collected.
61

ERGONOMICS - EXAMPLE DRAWINGS

This diagram would be suitable for a designer attempting to

work out the correct height for the light source of an
adjustable table/reading lamp. Distance 'B' is marked on
the drawing.
62

ERGONOMICS - EXAMPLE DRAWINGS

Distance 'C' represents the comfortable height for a

foot-stool.
63

basic and average sizes (based

on 90 percentile) of human
beings performing various
functions and movements

64

Diagram 1
depicts the
average heights
and widths of
various parts of
the body face
on. Use this in
relation to joinery
and space
planning.

65

Diagram 2 depicts the

average maximum
distance of
outstretched arms.
This may be used
when planning a small
bathroom and the
distance need for
drying ones self.

66

Diagram 3 depicts
the various heights
and lengths of parts
of the body with the
legs bent as for
sitting or climbing.
Relate this to chairs
and tables.

67

Diagram 4 depicts the

reach of forward
outstretched arms.
Reference to this is
important with
cupboards and shelves
over benches and to
windows behind
furniture.

68

Diagram 5 depicts the

maximum reach (flat
footed) straight up. This
can be referred to for the
maximum height of close
shelves or cupboards
while also considering
the angle.

69

Diagram 6 depicts the

height of the forearm
when standing and bent
at right angles. This is
useful for determining the
heights of work surfaces.

70

Diagram 7 depicts
the height of a
person when
kneeling or
crouching down.
You can determine
minimum heights
of shelving or basic
reach.

71

Diagram 8 depicts the

height of a medium
use workbench. It also
shows space allocated
for the front of the foot
to fit under the bench.

72

Diagram 9 depicts a person sitting at a table. The

height of the chair and table are shown in relation to
the body.
73

Diagrams 10 and 11 depict heights and widths of

shelves showing the reach required and also the eye
line.
74

Diagram 12 depicts a person in sitting position showing

the base of the bent forearm to the seat height for
armrests, the thickness of the thigh and the height from the
base of the thigh to the floor for clearance under tables.
75

Diagram 13 shows
where the eyes height
in relation to the floor.
Use this to determine
placing of items such
as switching or
signage.

76

Diagram 14 depicts the

length of the legs and
body combined when
sitting on the floor or
bed. Use this to help
determine leg room

77

thank
you