Anthropometry Lab 1

Introduction

Measurements of the human body, such as height, weight, and body proportions, are referred to as
anthropometric data. To protect the security and comfort of employees, this information is crucial for
workplace design. Workplace designers may develop workplaces that are ergonomically sound, lowering
the risk of injury and boosting employee well-being, by knowing the physical capabilities and proportions
of the human body.

The field of human sciences known as anthropometry deals with bodily measurements, notably those of
body size, form, strength, and working ability. In ergonomics, anthropometric information is utilized to
adapt the workplace and instruments to the individual rather than the individual to the workplace. The
goal is to establish a working environment that promotes maximum worker health and safety as well as
maximum job efficiency (Johnsen, et al 2004). Chairs, it has been noted, are a crucial component of a
learning environment. They asserted that the design of the seats used in lecture halls plays a significant
role in determining whether or not students will learn comfortably and advised that seats should be
created to accommodate the users Thariq et al (2010). Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) among schools
have been linked to mismatches between the furniture in the classroom and the anthropometry of the
students (Lasisi O.I, Abdulkadir M., Ojile P., Adeyemi A.J., 2018)

Additionally, tailoring the design to the anthropometry of the intended user improves sustainability,
primarily because it lowers the amount of raw materials used, extends the useful life of the product, and
adds ethical human resource considerations into the design (Nadadur and Parkinson, 2013). A design
that takes into account the needs of artists is necessary because they spend so much time working there.
According to contemporary trends, workspaces need to be affordable, ergonomic, energy-efficient, and
ecologically friendly (Widana I.K, Sumetri N.W., Sutapa I.K., Suryasa W., 2020).

It is strongly advised to take students' needs into account when designing the furniture for classrooms
and to hold a seminar or workshop to inform students of the dangers of adopting poor posture when
using classroom furniture for extended periods of time (Taifa I.W., Desai D.A., 2016). Workplace
ergonomic risks can endanger employee safety and result in injuries. Inconvenient working positions,
whether standing or sitting, direct pressure from the workspace, repetitive duties throughout the day,
constant vibration, job stress, persistent noise, and extreme temperatures, such as being too cold or too
hot, are just a few of the ergonomic dangers (Ani M.N.C., Azid I.A., 2022).

Over the past few decades, there has been a significant global increase in the prevalence of
overweight/obesity and plus size. Around the world, a sizeable fraction of adults are overweight, obese,
or considered to be "plus size." This has caused size and shape variation among the working population
as well as workplace exclusion. A fresh database of plus-size individuals' anthropometry has been
produced (Gyi D., Masson A., Hignett S., 2019). A significant risk factor for permanent early retirement
has also been discovered as being plus size (Shrestha et al., 2016). One of the most crucial aspects of
ergonomics is anthropometry. When constructing any furniture where people execute their daily tasks, it
is essential to take into account the anthropometric measurements and adhere to the ergonomic
recommendations (Bhuiyan T.H., Hossain S.J., 2015).
Methods and materials.

Results and discussion

Guide questions:

1. Why should anthropometric data be used in the design of the workspace? Give examples to
support this.
Workplace design benefits from anthropometric data because it enables the creation of
surroundings that are best for the human body. Improves Comfort Workspaces can be made
comfortable for employees, which can increase output and job satisfaction. Reduces Fatigue In
the neck, shoulders, and back, for instance, constructing workstations at the right height for the
worker helps lessen physical strain and weariness. Enhances Productivity Taking into account
human needs can boost productivity by minimizing discomfort and distractions.

2. When is the RASH (Rapid Anthropometric Scaled for Height) technique used? What data is required
for this technique? Based on a person's height, the RASH (Rapid Anthropometric Scaled for Height)
technique can be used to quickly estimate body measurements like arm, leg, and torso lengths. It is
frequently used in circumstances where precise measurements cannot be obtained because of time or
resource limitations, such as in emergency response or military operations. The RASH method only
needs two pieces of information: the person's height and a reference measurement, like the length of
their hand. The RASH technique enables quick estimation of additional body measurements using these
two measurements.

3. Differentiate the use of minimum dimensions and maximum dimensions in the use of
anthropometric data. Give three examples for each use.
The smallest size that a product or environment should be able to accommodate is referred to as
the minimum dimensions. Here are some illustrations of anthropometric design's minimum
dimensions:
1. Chairs should have a minimum seat height to accommodate people with shorter leg lengths.
2. Doors must have a minimum width to allow wheelchairs and other mobility aids to pass
through without difficulty.
3. For those with longer legs to sit at the table without feeling crowded, there must be a
minimum clearance under the table.

The term "maximum dimensions" describes the largest size that a product or setting should be
able to support. Here are some illustrations of anthropometric design's maximum dimensions:
1. Chairs should be able to support their maximum weight without becoming unstable, even
when supporting people with larger frames.
2. Kitchen counters should not be higher than this to prevent people of taller stature from
stooping or putting strain on their backs while using the counter.
3. Maximum reach distance for storage shelves: By doing this, you can make sure that shorter
people can still reach the top shelf's contents without using a step stool.
 4. There are three main approaches to the design problems to accommodate as large a
proportion of the intended user population as possible considering various financial,
economical and design constraints. Describe these three approaches.
No matter a person's age, size, ability, or disability, universal design aims to make environments
and products that can be used by as many people as possible. Instead of designing for a
"standard" user and later making adaptations for others, this method accounts for a wide range
of abilities from the outset. Among other things, universal design principles emphasize
information that is perceptible and easy to use.

The goal of inclusive design is to make environments and products usable and accessible to as
many people as possible, including those with disabilities. This strategy entails comprehending
the needs of various users and designing for them specifically, such as creating products that can
be used with just one hand or creating environments that are simple for those who are blind to
navigate. Prioritizing accessibility, taking into account a range of needs, and involving users in the
design process are all examples of inclusive design principles.

Design for Diversity is a strategy that acknowledges and celebrates user diversity and creates
environments and products that take this diversity into account. In this method, specific user
groups are taken into account when designing products or spaces, such as left-handed people or
people from various cultural backgrounds. The principles of design for diversity include
recognizing and valuing differences, creating products and environments that are culturally
sensitive, and designing for particular user groups.

5. In the above laboratory excercises, which of the approaches in Question No. 4 was
considered? What constraints were encountered?
The design team used inclusive design principles, such as putting accessibility first, taking
into account a variety of needs, and involving users in the design process, to address these
limitations. They consulted extensively with stakeholders and end users to ascertain their
preferences and needs, then iteratively improved the design solution to guarantee that it
satisfied those needs while adhering to the limitations.

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