Anthropometrics in Workstation Design

Question 1

What is the typical acceptable design range when using anthropometrics? Why would one use a small range as oppose to a large range? What does it mean “percentile value selected is largely a political decision”?

Answer 1

• 5th -95th percentiles
• the greater the design range, the greater the costs
• the percentile value is largely a political decision, companies adopt different policies

Question 2

What is the so called “basic design principle” when using anthropometrics?

Answer 2

let the small person reach, let the large person fit

Question 3

“the addition of anthropometrics measures may actually produce an inaccurate estimate” Explain why

Answer 3

• since very few individuals are 5th percentile throughout
• typically a person with a short back may ave long legs
• if two 5th percentile added, result may be 3rd percentile instead of 5th
• if two 95th percentile added, result may be 90th percentile instead of 95th.
• despite these errors, possible to get within 1-2cm accuracy and a person would not notice the difference