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Designers must consider the human body and human behaviour when creating products. This lesson covers ergonomics, anthropometrics and percentile data as required by AQA GCSE Design and Technology (8552), Section 3.3. These concepts are tested on Paper 2 and are fundamental to user-centred design.
Ergonomics is the study of how people interact with products, systems and environments. The goal is to design products that are comfortable, efficient and safe to use. Ergonomics considers:
| Product | Ergonomic Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Office chair (Herman Miller Aeron) | Adjustable lumbar support, seat height, armrests, tilt | Reduces back pain during prolonged sitting |
| Kitchen knife | Contoured handle with soft-grip material | Comfortable to hold, reduces hand fatigue |
| Car dashboard | Controls within easy reach, clear instrument display | Driver can operate controls without looking away from the road |
| Games controller (Xbox) | Shaped to fit the natural grip, trigger positions match finger placement | Comfortable during extended gaming sessions |
| Computer keyboard (ergonomic split) | Split design angles the wrists naturally | Reduces risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) |
AQA Exam Tip: Ergonomics is not just about size — it also covers comfort, ease of use and safety. The best exam answers discuss at least two of these aspects.
Anthropometrics is the study and measurement of the dimensions of the human body. Designers use anthropometric data to ensure products are the right size for their intended users.
| Measurement | Use in Design |
|---|---|
| Stature (standing height) | Door heights, ceiling clearance, shelving height |
| Sitting height | Chair back height, vehicle headroom |
| Shoulder width | Seat width, doorways, clothing |
| Arm reach (forward) | Control panel layouts, shelf depth |
| Hand grip span | Handle diameters, tool grips |
| Popliteal height (back of knee to floor) | Chair seat height |
| Buttock-popliteal length | Chair seat depth |
| Foot length | Shoe sizing, pedal spacing |
Anthropometric data is collected through large-scale surveys of populations. The data is published in reference tables (e.g. PeopleSize software, BS EN ISO 7250) and is broken down by:
A percentile indicates the percentage of a population that falls at or below a particular measurement. Percentile data allows designers to decide what range of body sizes their product should accommodate.
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