Env Design
Anthropometry
Physical characteristics of the body:
Volume
Center of Gravity
Intertia
Masses of specific body segements
Two types of body measurements:
Static Dimensions
Measures of body in fixed (static) position (eg. Skeleton; head circumference)
Vary with age, sex, ethnicity
Functional (Dynamic) Dimensions
Measured under conditions of movement or activity (eg. Operating steering wheel, using a mouse)
Can use somatography to show multiple angles and views of a person in action
Engineering Anthropometry -- the application of above data (body measurements) to the design of the things people use.
Applications/How to Apply Anthropometry to Design
Represent the population (not all items can be designed "one size fits all")
Three (3) Principles of Applying Anthropometry to Design
Design for Extreme Individuals
Accommodate for all persons by designing for the biggest possible extreme in weight, height, etc.
Can accommodate most within reason
Designing for Adjustable Range
Adjustable chairs, eg. Is preferred method but not always possible
Designing for the Average
Sometimes considered a "cop-out" because there is no average person
Sometimes necessary, as with counter heights at stores
Complexity of Multiple Dimensions/Measures...
Determine the relevant body dimensions for the item (eg. Sitting height for design of a car seat)
2. Define the user population (age, gender, etc.)
3. Determine the principle (extreme, adjustable range, for the average)
4. If relevant, apply percentage of the population to be accommodated
5. Use pre-designed anthropometric tables for the target population
6. Allowances for clothing, shoes
7. Build a full-scale mock-up
Designing Work Spaces
Work Space Envelope- "the three dimensional space within which an individual works" (p. 424).
Concepts related to Work Space Envelope
Out of Reach Requirements (distances a person has to reach)
Objects that need to remain out of reach for safety or security
Clearance Requirements (minimum space needed to move)
Esp for maintenance personnel (eg. Crawl spaces)
1. For Seated Personnel
Functional arm reach
Effects of manual activities (what the person actually does)
Effects of apparel (eg. Impact of winter coats on drivers)
2. For Standing Personnel
Center of gravity
Zone of convenient reach
Design of Work Surfaces
Horizontal work surfaces
Normal Area: "Area that can be conveniently reached with a sweep of the forearm…
references that do not correspond to anthropometrics
Env Design The field of ergonomics takes into account the following: Anthropometrics (body measurements) Biomechanics and physiology Environmental Ergonomics. Cognitive ergonomics Ergonomics design and evaluation Ergonomics specific needs Ergonomics law Three Components of Ergonomics and Environmental / Interior Design • Anthropometry: body size, strength, shape, and work capacity. • Ergonomics: study of behavior and activities of people; adapting systems and workstations to the needs of users; different applications in various fields such as biomechanics, environmental, cognitive science • Relation to Environmental /