PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to define the process of human motion design in hierarchical space by cybernetic technology using mathematical symbol construction of hierarchical systems (HSs) and realize the technology in tasks of biomechanical motion design.Design/methodology/approachSuggested HS technology allows definition of human motion on level space. HS are presented by their two main symbol images, i.e. mathematical symbol construction and graphic image. Those images connect all the strata of HS, show the acts of systems multiplying (learning) and uniting (design), the place of man in hierarchical space and human activity on higher levels. The design&control tasks are solved by HS coordinator.FindingsThe paper proves that HS technology presented allows design&control tasks of human motion in hierarchical space to be solved. Coherence of man's construction deformations and correspondent changes of his interactions with environment elements (his motion) is controlled by HS coordinator. Coordinator design tasks are formulated. The possibility of computer program description in frames of the proposed technology is revealed.Practical implicationsThe technology presented gives an instrument for the design&control of different kinds of human motion in hierarchical space, predicts connected motion dynamics on different levels. It is applied in design tasks of biomechanical motion.Originality/valueThe method (technology) presented meets all the requirements of practical cybernetic (design&control) tasks. It brings new light to theory and practice of human motion design, presents human motion as hierarchical process in the level space, allows motion design&control task to be solved as coordination task of HS coordinator.