What is the difference between anthropometrics and ergonomics

Ergonomics from the Greek word ergon meaning work, and nomoi meaning natural laws , is the science of refining the design of products to optimize them for human use. Computers and related products, such as computer desks and chairs, are frequently the focus of ergonomic design. What is anthropometry data? Anthropometric data is a mass of collected information, and for it to be useful it has to be sorted out and treated in a manner relevant to the sizing of clothing so as to cover a large proportion of the targeted population.

What is anthropometry in interior design? The study of human body measurements on a comparative basis is known as anthropometrics. Its applicability to the design process is seen in the physical fit, or interface, between the human body and the various components of interior space. How is ergonomics used in design? Ergonomics uses anthropometrical data to determine the optimum size, shape and form of a product, and make it easier for people to use.

Ergonomists can help you to identify which user characteristics you should take into account during your design process. What is ergonomics data? The study of people and their relationship with the environment around them. What are the 4 anthropometric measurements? Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, body mass index BMI , body circumference arm, waist, hip and calf , waist to hip ratio WHR , elbow amplitude and knee-heel length.

How do you measure anthropometric? Steps for taking accurate height measurements: Set the measuring board vertically on a stable level surface. Remove the child's shoes and any head-covering. Place the child on the measuring board, standing upright in the middle of the board. For example, when designing a hairdryer, measurements like the average height of users and length of average arms become useful to decide the shape of handle and distance to be held from the head.

When taking measurements form a target population for a specific product design, designers generally derive an average value midpoint as the final measurement. Anthropometrics plays an important role in various fields such as furniture design, clothing design, architecture, and ergonomics. Ergonomics is the scientific discipline of designing products and environments to match the people who use them. It incorporates anthropometric data when designing products to improve user experience.

For example, when you manufacture a door handle, you use the measurements of the hand to design the shape and size of the handle. The same theory applies to design various products such as furniture, vehicles, clothes, etc. Moreover, size, shape, weight, the position of controls, etc. In addition to anthropometric data, ergonomics also uses data from several disciplines such as biomechanics muscles, forces, strength, levers and environmental physics noise, heat, cold, light, radiation, etc.

The above image shows how ergonomics use anthropometric data to optimize human interaction with equipment and workplaces. For example, the adjustable seat height enables the user to set the chair at a comfortable height, and height and angle of the monitor make it easy for the user to see the screen comfortably, minimizing strain on the eyes and neck while table height enables the user to reach the keyboard and mouse easily.

Designers should use anthropometric data to help make sure a product will be comfortable for the user. It is difficult to design a product that everyone will be able to use with comfort, so products are often designed for the majority of the population, considered to be between the 5th and 95th percentile:.

Below is an example of a set of anthropometric data for adults. A designer is designing an emergency stop button for a machine, which must be able to be pressed quickly and easily with the whole palm of the hand by the majority of the population. Using the table above, what is the minimum size the emergency stop button should be? The handbreadth data from both tables provides the lowest 5 th and highest 95 th percentile data. This is:. Using this information, the size of the button should have a minimum width of 98 mm.

As the button will be larger than the female 5 th percentile and equal to or larger than the male 95 th percentile it will be accessible for the majority of the population.