A review of the methodology and applications of anthropometry in ergonomics and product design

Abstract

Anthropometry is a key element of ergonomic studies for addressing the problem of fitting the tasks/products to user characteristics, but there is a gap between anthropometric data and their application for designing ergonomic products and environments. This research was conducted to review the literature on the methodology and applications of anthropometry for the ergonomic design of products and environments, and to identify where further research is needed to improve its application and evaluation protocols. One hundred and sixteen papers meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Although a number of anthropometric investigations have been conducted to improve the design of products/environments for different users, further research seems to be necessary, particularly for special groups, such as children, the elderly and people with disabilities. Different anthropometric measurement methods/techniques and fitting criteria are discussed regarding their applicability for various design applications. This review also highlights methodological issues (sampling considerations and prototype evaluation and testing) that should be considered in future research to ensure a user-centred approach of the design process. Practitioner Summary: A literature review was conducted on the methodology and applications of anthropometry for the ergonomic design of products/environments. This review emphasises the need for anthropometric research to design for special groups, such as children, the elderly and people with disabilities, and methodological issues that should be considered in future research. Abbreviations: 1D: one-dimensional; 2D: two-dimensional; 3D: three-dimensional; HF/E: Human Factors/Ergonomics; PCA: Principal Components Analysis; CA: Cluster Analysis; DHM: Digital Human Modelling.

Interaction between an operator and the control desk at the control room of the railway traffic: A Serbian experience

“…The most typical percentiles which are used are the 5th, 50th, and 95th. Using the anthropometric list, formed based on the various references (Dianat, Molenbroek, & Castellucci, 2018; Grieco & Masali, 1971; Preedy, 2012), the measuring process of 41 operators, based on the use of Harpenden anthropometric instruments – 98.601 (http://Holtain.com), was conducted and the results for 20 anthropometric parameters were obtained. Relations between these 20 anthropometrical parameters are determined by the correlation coefficient, which represents a statistical measure that calculates the strength of the relationship between the relative movements of two variables.…”

Design and Validation of a Method to Characterize Human Interaction Variability

“…Garneau and Parkinson [12] present a major limitation associated with DfHV methods, which discusses the risk associated with the use of outdated military databases as a source of optimization for design and fit when these databases do not currently reflect the increase on body mass of human beings within the US population. Moreover, human factors methods are traditionally applied to the design of work or the fit of the person to a product [13][14][15]. These methods rely on adjustability of products and humans to fit workspaces and human parameters to guide the dimensions of products, respectively [15][16][17][18].…”

Plus size and obese workers: anthropometry estimates to promote inclusive design

“…The plus size epidemic has led to increased variability in size and shape across the working population. Dianat et al (2018) highlight the lack of anthropometric data on specific user populations. Designers need access to specialist data to enable better design of the spaces where people live and work.…”

“…However, the rapid increase in the prevalence of plus size people in the working population means that they are not fully represented in such datasets. Dianat et al (2018) conducted a review of anthropometric data in ergonomics and product design and identified a gap between such data and its application. They advocate the need for anthropometric data on target-user populations and the need for datasets on populations of interest.…”