Anthropometry
and Its Application in Design
By: Hany M. El-Said
Introduction to
Anthropometry
Anthropometry measures body dimensions to
design products, like chairs, fitting users from
the 5th to 95th percentile.
• Definition: The science of measuring
human body dimensions and physical
characteristics.
• Purpose: To design products, spaces,
and systems that fit a wide range of
users.
• Key Concept: Designing for the 5th to
95th percentile ensures products
accommodate 90% of the population.
• Example: Chair seat height tailored for
users from 5th percentile (small
stature) to 95th percentile (tall stature).
Why
Anthropometry
Matters
• Ensures comfort, safety, and efficiency in product use.
• Reduces injury risks (e.g., repetitive strain from poorly designed workstations).
• Enhances user experience across diverse populations.
• Real-World Examples:
• Ergonomic office chairs with adjustable heights.
• Airplane seats designed for varied body sizes.
• Smartphone sizes optimized for hand grip.
Measurement
Techniques
Anthropometric techniques like 3D scanning collect static and dynamic data, such as height or
reach, to design workstations accommodating diverse users
Methods:
 Traditional: Calipers, tape measures for static measurements (e.g., height, arm length).
 Modern: 3D scanning for precise static and dynamic data (e.g., posture, reach range).
 Body Grids: Mapping body proportions for design templates.
Data Types:
 Static: Fixed measurements (e.g., height, shoulder width).
 Dynamic: Movement-based measurements (e.g., arm reach, joint flexibility).
Application: Workstation design for reach ranges.
Designing for
Diverse
Populations
Anthropometry ensures inclusivity by designing for diverse populations, like adjustable car seats for varied
heights, balancing customization with cost.
Goal: Create products accessible to diverse ages, genders, ethnicities, and abilities.
Example:
 Adjustable car seats for short and tall drivers.
 Universal design in public spaces (e.g., ramps, adjustable desks).
 Wearable devices sized for different wrist dimensions.
Challenge:
• Balancing customization with manufacturing costs.
• Accounting for global variations in body dimensions.
Practical
Applications
of
Anthropomet
ry
Industries Using Anthropometry:
• Furniture: Ergonomic chairs, desks, and beds.
• Automotive: Seat belts, steering wheel placement.
• Aerospace: Cockpit and cabin layouts.
• Healthcare: Prosthetics, medical equipment sizing.
• Fashion: Clothing sizes for diverse body shapes.
Example: NASA’s use of anthropometry to design spacesuits for astronauts.
Challenges
and Future
Trends
Challenges:
 Collecting data from underrepresented populations.
 Adapting to changing body sizes (e.g., rising average heights).
 Integrating anthropometry with AI and wearable tech.
Future Trends:
 AI-driven personalized product design (e.g., custom 3D-printed shoes).
 Real-time anthropometric adjustments (e.g., smart furniture).
 Global anthropometric databases for universal design standards.
.
Q&A and
Thank You
Questions?

Lecture2 - Anthropometry and Its Application in Design.pptx

  • 1.
    Anthropometry and Its Applicationin Design By: Hany M. El-Said
  • 2.
    Introduction to Anthropometry Anthropometry measuresbody dimensions to design products, like chairs, fitting users from the 5th to 95th percentile. • Definition: The science of measuring human body dimensions and physical characteristics. • Purpose: To design products, spaces, and systems that fit a wide range of users. • Key Concept: Designing for the 5th to 95th percentile ensures products accommodate 90% of the population. • Example: Chair seat height tailored for users from 5th percentile (small stature) to 95th percentile (tall stature).
  • 3.
    Why Anthropometry Matters • Ensures comfort,safety, and efficiency in product use. • Reduces injury risks (e.g., repetitive strain from poorly designed workstations). • Enhances user experience across diverse populations. • Real-World Examples: • Ergonomic office chairs with adjustable heights. • Airplane seats designed for varied body sizes. • Smartphone sizes optimized for hand grip.
  • 4.
    Measurement Techniques Anthropometric techniques like3D scanning collect static and dynamic data, such as height or reach, to design workstations accommodating diverse users Methods:  Traditional: Calipers, tape measures for static measurements (e.g., height, arm length).  Modern: 3D scanning for precise static and dynamic data (e.g., posture, reach range).  Body Grids: Mapping body proportions for design templates. Data Types:  Static: Fixed measurements (e.g., height, shoulder width).  Dynamic: Movement-based measurements (e.g., arm reach, joint flexibility). Application: Workstation design for reach ranges.
  • 5.
    Designing for Diverse Populations Anthropometry ensuresinclusivity by designing for diverse populations, like adjustable car seats for varied heights, balancing customization with cost. Goal: Create products accessible to diverse ages, genders, ethnicities, and abilities. Example:  Adjustable car seats for short and tall drivers.  Universal design in public spaces (e.g., ramps, adjustable desks).  Wearable devices sized for different wrist dimensions. Challenge: • Balancing customization with manufacturing costs. • Accounting for global variations in body dimensions.
  • 6.
    Practical Applications of Anthropomet ry Industries Using Anthropometry: •Furniture: Ergonomic chairs, desks, and beds. • Automotive: Seat belts, steering wheel placement. • Aerospace: Cockpit and cabin layouts. • Healthcare: Prosthetics, medical equipment sizing. • Fashion: Clothing sizes for diverse body shapes. Example: NASA’s use of anthropometry to design spacesuits for astronauts.
  • 7.
    Challenges and Future Trends Challenges:  Collectingdata from underrepresented populations.  Adapting to changing body sizes (e.g., rising average heights).  Integrating anthropometry with AI and wearable tech. Future Trends:  AI-driven personalized product design (e.g., custom 3D-printed shoes).  Real-time anthropometric adjustments (e.g., smart furniture).  Global anthropometric databases for universal design standards. .
  • 8.