James Playford

Series Editor: Louise T Davies

Ergonomics and anthropometrics

Lesson 22

Folens 2009

Lesson objectives/aims
Know how to consider ergonomics and the use of anthropometric data when designing products. Apply an understanding of anthropometric data when designing products.

Folens 2009

Learning ladder
By the end of the lesson:
You must: be able to explain the term ergonomics. be able to explain the term anthropometrics. You should: be able to use examples to explain how ergonomic considerations have affected the design of products be able to use examples to explain how anthropometric considerations have affected the design of products. You could: explain why specific products are unsuccessful ergonomically.

Folens 2009

Introduction
As a Graphic Products student you will need to understand the terms ergonomics and anthropometrics and the effect they have on the design of products. One of the most important aspects of product design is considering how the user will interact with the product; how comfortable will it be to use, sit on or wear? How easy will it be to control an aspect of the products performance such as temperature, volume, height, time, brightness or intensity?

Folens 2009

Learning task: ergonomics (1)

Read the following posting from www.baddesign.com How do you play the CD? We borrowed a portable stereo from a friend. We put a CD in the CD player and then pressed the play button on the row of buttons next to the CD player. It didnt work. Careful study revealed that the row of buttons next to the CD player controlled the tape player! And the row of buttons that controlled the CD player? They are next to the tape player!

CD player

Tape buttons

Tape player

CD buttons

How might the designer have made the product more intuitive for the user?

Folens 2009

Task 1: ergonomics
In small groups discuss products that you have recently used that were badly designed under the following headings:
physically uncomfortable hard to understand hard to operate gave inadequate feedback (e.g. you could not tell if it was switched on or off).

For each product discuss how a designer could make the product better.

Folens 2009

Ergonomics (1)
Ergonomics is concerned with the way people interact with products, including how they feel, sound, smell and even taste.
The keys on a computer keyboard are suitably sized and spaced for human fingers. Door handles are placed at a comfortable height for adults. Mobile phone display screens text and symbols can be easily read by the naked eye.

Folens 2009

Ergonomics (2)
Ergonomics is derived from the Greek words ergon (work) and nomos (law). In America ergonomics is known as human factors. If you would like to find out more about ergonomics the UK based Ergonomics Society provides support for professional ergonomists and has an excellent website: http://ergonomics4schools.com/

Folens 2009

Learning task: ergonomics (2)

What are the ergonomic factors that affect the design of mobile phones?

Folens 2009

Learning task: ergonomics (3)

Did you get?
How easily the user can read the display.

How well it fits in the users hand. The size of the keys.
How easily a call can be answered.

The positioning of the earpiece.

The distance between the keys.

The volume of the ringer.

The positioning of the microphone.

The brightness of the screen.

How easily an unwanted or badly timed call can be rejected.

Folens 2009

Task 2: ergonomics (1)

In small groups you will be presented with a range of objects that fulfil the same function. You are to devise and conduct a series of non destructive tests that will allow you to draw up a list of requirements for an ergonomically sound product. Your group will need to produce an A3 information sheet and short presentation. You need to include a photograph or sketch of the type of product you have been studying, annotated and with the key ergonomic information. Please see the example on the following slide.

Folens 2009

Task 2: ergonomics (2)

The handle must be an appropriate size for an adult hand.

The diameter of the brim must be correctly sized for an adults face.

The handle must allow a gap between the users knuckle and the side of the mug.

The rim of the mug must fit comfortably on the users lips.

The mug must not hold a weight of liquid greater than an adult can comfortably lift.
Folens 2009

Anthropometrics (1)
Anthropometrics is the study of the sizes of people. Designers use this information to make products that are of a suitable size and weight. As with ergonomics the origin of the word anthropometrics is the Greek language. Anthro means human and Metrics means to measure.

Folens 2009

Anthropometrics (2)
It would be nearly impossible for companies to cater for entire ranges of body sizes. Imagine a shoe shop trying to carry all styles of shoes in all sizes. To minimize the impact of abnormal data anthropometric studies ignore the lowest 5% and highest 5% leaving the 90th percentile on which product designs are based.

Folens 2009

Task 3
Aim: To understand the process of gathering anthropometric data.
Task: In groups of three you are to collect each others anthropometric data. Record your findings in the table on Worksheet 1. Calculate the averages for the group. Report your findings back to the class.

Folens 2009

Plenary
What is meant by the term ergonomics? What is meant by the term anthropometrics? How is the design of products affected by ergonomic considerations? How is the design of products affected by anthropometric data? How is anthropometric data gathered? What is the 90th percentile?

Folens 2009

Extension
Many designs do not work well from an ergonomic standpoint. There is an excellent website dedicated to these design blunders: www.baddesigns.com Explore the site. Find an example of bad design from your own experience. Write a report about the product in the style of baddesigns.com.

Folens 2009

Homework
You are to produce an information sheet on ergonomics and anthropometrics.
You will need to include: a definition of the term ergonomics a definition of the term anthropometrics examples of how the design of products is affected by ergonomic considerations examples of how the design of products is affected by anthropometric data. Remember: You are a GCSE Graphic Products student so all your work must be clearly laid out and well presented.

Folens 2009