Lesson 12 · Unit 2

Ergonomics &
Anthropometrics

Measure people, understand interaction, and turn human-factor evidence into better product decisions.

80 minutesA1.1.1–A1.1.2Human factors

Guiding question: How do ergonomic considerations influence the design of a product?01

Today’s destination

By the end of class, you should be able to…

Explain ergonomics

Describe the relationship between people and the products, systems and environments they use.

Use anthropometrics

Explain how measured human dimensions support design decisions.

Distinguish data

Differentiate static and dynamic anthropometric data.

Evaluate variation

Discuss how age, gender, ethnicity and disability can affect anthropometric data.

Success check: explain the concept accurately, then use it to make a justified design decision.

Know it → use it → explain the evidence.02

A1.1.1

Ergonomics is about the fit between people and design.

The aim is to improve efficiency, usability, function, effectiveness and safety—not simply comfort.

People

Capabilities + limitations

Bodies, senses and minds interact with products in different ways.

Product / system

Features + controls

Size, shape, force, layout and feedback influence use.

Environment

Context of use

Space, lighting, noise, temperature and task conditions can change performance.

Good ergonomics reduces unnecessary mismatch.03

Original diagram

Anthropometrics turns human dimensions into design evidence.

shoulder breadth / reach

standing / sitting dimensions

Anthropometrics involves measuring human physical dimensions and presenting the range of characteristics in a population, commonly using percentiles.

Designers use data about real people instead of assuming one “normal” body.

A1.1.2 · Anthropometric data describes a population, not one perfect user.04

A1.1.2

Static and dynamic data answer different design questions.

Both are useful, but they measure people under different conditions.

Static data

Body dimensions at rest

Examples: standing height, seated height, shoulder breadth, hand length.

Dynamic data

Dimensions during movement

Examples: reach while leaning, hand movement, range of motion, working envelope.

Match the measurement to the real task.05

Apply it

Which data should you collect?

A designer is developing an overhead luggage shelf on a train. The intended users need to lift bags from the aisle and place them onto the shelf.

Which evidence is most relevant?

Choose before you reveal the feedback.06

Population data

Anthropometric datasets change across populations.

The guide requires students to discuss how several factors can affect the data.

Age

Growth + ageing

Body dimensions, mobility and strength can change through life.

Gender

Population distributions

Datasets may show different distributions for measured dimensions.

Ethnicity

Population variation

Anthropometric proportions and distributions can differ between sampled populations.

Disability

Different interactions

Mobility aids, posture, reach or other physical characteristics may alter relevant dimensions.

Design habit: treat data as evidence about a defined population. Do not turn population data into stereotypes about individuals.

A1.1.2 · Ask: whose data is this, and does it match the intended users?07

Evidence types

Separate measurable human factors from user opinions.

Anthropometric evidence

“The 5th percentile reach is below the control height.”

Measured physical dimension.

User preference

“I prefer the control on the left.”

Useful qualitative evidence, but a different kind of evidence.

Strong UCD can combine both.08

Evidence chain

From measurement to design decision

Anthropometric numbers only matter when they influence a design decision.

Define the user + task

Identify the population, environment and action the product must support.

Select relevant dimensions

Choose measurements linked to reach, clearance, fit, posture or movement.

Use appropriate population data

Avoid importing data from an unrelated population without justification.

Translate evidence

Set dimensions, adjustability or testing criteria that can later be evaluated.

Measure → interpret → specify → test.09

15-minute practical

Measure a micro-task, not just a body.

Choose one classroom interaction: desk, chair, door handle, shelf or laptop setup.

Identify one static measurement and one dynamic measurement that could affect the interaction.

Measure safely and record units consistently.

Write one design implication—not just the number.

Measurement without interpretation is not design.10

IA connection

Ergonomics connects directly to your IA.

Human-factor evidence can strengthen the persona, task analysis and later specifications.

Persona

Describe relevant capabilities

Use only characteristics that matter to the redesign.

Storyboard

Show interaction difficulty

Make reach, grip, posture or task constraints visible.

Specifications

Set testable requirements

Translate evidence into dimensions, forces, clearances or adjustment ranges.

Use human-factor evidence where it genuinely changes the design.11

Vocabulary lab

Ergonomics vocabulary

Retrieve first. Then check.

TermErgonomicsClick to reveal

MeaningThe relationship and interaction between people and the products, systems and environments they use.

TermAnthropometricsClick to reveal

MeaningMeasurement of human physical dimensions, often expressed across a percentile range.

TermStatic dataClick to reveal

MeaningAnthropometric measurements taken when the body is relatively fixed or at rest.

TermDynamic dataClick to reveal

MeaningAnthropometric measurements related to movement, reach or range of motion during a task.

TermHuman factorsClick to reveal

MeaningCharacteristics and capabilities of people that influence interaction with a design.

TermUser populationClick to reveal

MeaningThe defined group of people whose characteristics are relevant to the design.

TermDesign implicationClick to reveal

MeaningA decision or requirement that follows from evidence.

TermContext of useClick to reveal

MeaningThe task and environment in which interaction occurs.

Say the meaning before you flip the card.12

Knowledge check

Can you retrieve it without looking back?

1. What is ergonomics trying to improve in product design?

Efficiency, usability, function, effectiveness and safety through a better fit between people and design.

2. What is the difference between static and dynamic anthropometric data?

Static data measures relatively fixed body dimensions; dynamic data measures movement, reach or range of motion during interaction.

3. Name four factors the guide says can affect anthropometric data.

Age, gender, ethnicity and disability.

4. Why is a single “average” measurement risky?

It can hide the range and variation within the intended user population.

Say the answer first. Then reveal it.13

Command term practice

Explain how anthropometric data could improve a shared classroom workstation.

Weak response

“Measure students and make it ergonomic.”

Too vague; it does not identify the relevant dimension or design decision.

Stronger structure

Evidence → decision → benefit

Identify a relevant static or dynamic measurement, explain how it influences height/reach/clearance/adjustability, then connect the change to usability or safety.

“Explain” needs a clear why/how relationship.14

Exit ticket

Before you leave…

1. Define ergonomics in one sentence.

2. Give one static and one dynamic anthropometric measurement for the same product.

3. Explain why population variation matters before choosing dimensions.

Next lesson

Percentiles in Design

Keep the evidence chain moving: user → research → decision → test.

Curriculum alignment
A1.1.1 ergonomics · A1.1.2 anthropometrics · static/dynamic anthropometric data · age, gender, ethnicity and disability as factors affecting data.

Lesson complete15 slides

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IB Design Technology SL · Lesson 1215

Ergonomics &Anthropometrics