The word ‘anthropometry’ means measurement of the human body. It is derived from the Greek words ‘Anthropos’ (man) and ‘metron’ (measure). It was first used in the 19th and early 20th century.
Anthropometric data are used in ergonomics to specify the physical dimensions of work spaces, equipment, furniture and clothing to ensure that physical mismatches between the dimensions of equipment and products and the corresponding user dimensions are avoided.
Anthropometry can be defined as the study which deals with body dimensions i.e. body size, shape, strength and working capacity for design purposes and body composition.
TYPES OF ANTHROPOMETRIC DATA
There are two types of anthropometric data
a. Structural (Static measurements)
These measurements are concerned with the dimensions of the body segments at stationary positions (not with motion). They include body’s contour dimensions (e.g., stature, sitting height, length of upper arm, hip breadth) and skeletal dimensions (e.g., the distance between the centre of joints, such as between the hip and the knee)
Examples:
· To specify furniture dimensions.
· To determine ranges of clothing sizes.
b. Functional (Dynamic measurements)
These measurements are concerned with the dimensions of the body segments during physical activities.
Examples:
· Design of crane cabs
· Design of interiors in vehicle
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PRINCIPLES IN THE APPLICATION OF ANTHROPOMETRIC DATA
There are three basic design philosophies utilised by ergonomics as they apply anthropometric data to design for their specific population. The philosophies are:
· Design for the Average
· Design for the Extremes
· Design for a Range
COMMON USES OF ANTHROPOMETRIC DATA
· To fit the task to the person.
· To avoid physical mismatches between dimensions of equipment and products and the corresponding user.
· To design for variability in people and not for the average.
· Used in industrial design, clothing designs, work station designs, automotive industry etc.
BY
MADHUMALAR.R
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
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