1. Option E: Human Factors Design IB Design Technology
E2: Human Factors Data
Option E: Human Factors Design
IB Design Technology

2. User Population Definition:
The range of users for a particular product or system.
Larger user groups could be defined in terms of age group, gender group and physical condition.

3. Sampling
Sampling allows you to gain important information about potential users.
When considering a product for mass use, it is not good to rely on information collected from just a few people, as it is unlikely to be representative of the whole range of users.
A user group sample could be based on a large user population group, such as teenagers (age group) or males (gender).

4. Age, gender and physical condition
These factors can be further defined to determine the exact nature of a user group sample. As these factors are important to the evaluation, these characteristics must be represented by the members of the sample.
What user population groups can you think of?

5. “methods of extreme”
Sample users are selected to represent the extremes of a user population plus one or two intermediate values, for example, evaluating a kitchen layout may use the shortest (5th percentile), the mean (50th percentile) and the tallest (95th percentile).
U shaped kitchen

6. Population stereotypes
Definition:
Responses that are found to be widespread in a user population.

7. Radio knobs are mechanical products which are usually turned clockwise to turn on or up.
Taps deal with fluids and gases and are usually turned anticlockwise to turn them on

8. Population stereotypes
Population stereotypes can be displaced by alternative learnt responses, but they frequently reassert themselves under conditions of stress such as tiredness or panic.

9. For example, gas cooker controls are turned clockwise for off, but for an electric cooker they are the other way around. This is because the gas cooker knobs are effectively taps, operating a fluid or gas.
This can be confusing for consumers and can be a safety hazard, especially with a gas hob and electric oven combined into one product.
A gas cooker knob that is turned anticlockwise For “on” and clockwise for “off”.

10. When considering Human Factors at the design stage you must account for the range of sizes and adjustability.
Some examples:
Clothing comes in a range of sizes.

11. Ironing tables can be adjusted to allow for people of a different height to use comfortably.
This has an effect on the design of the legs, as this is how the board is adjusted in height.
Children’s car seats are adjustable to allow for a range of sizes and a growing child.
As are other items in a car, such as adjustable seat backs, adjustable leg room, adjustable seat belts, adjustable steering wheels, adjustable mirrors, adjustable headrest, etc.

12. “Perch” is a result from a 2 year research masters with the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, Ireland by Simon Dennehy. Active sitting is central to the design. Continuous movement, higher sitting and working, fully adjustable furniture and a patented flexible seat pan contribute to the overall design. Students are not built to sit still. Movement is key to physical and psychological development.

13. Anthropometric Data
Static anthropometric data is much easier to gather as people are asked to remain still while measurements are taken.
Dynamic anthropometric data involves people carrying out tasks. People carry out tasks in a range of different ways, which can make it difficult to measure.
Static data is more reliable, however, dynamic data is often more useful.

14. Collecting anthropometric data
Equipment:
Sliding calliper
Torso calliper
Stadiometer
Tape measure
Harpenden anthropometer

15. Accurate anthropometric data can be difficult to gather using this equipment as often a person would need to be naked, rather than clothed, to get an accurate measurement.

16. Percentile ranges
Adjustable equipment requires a range of anthropometric data from a percentile range.
Consider the following adjustable examples:
Car seats
Office chairs
Desk heights
You will also need to consider gender groups.

17. Car seats
What percentile ranges would be required for adjustable car seats?
Sitting height:
Leg room:
Arm reach:
Viewing angles:
Hip breadth:
Thigh length:

18. Office chairs
What percentile ranges would be required for office chairs?
Sitting height:
Leg room:
Arm reach:
Thigh height:
Hip breadth:
Thigh length:
Elbow height:

19. Desk heights What percentile ranges would be required for desks?
Sitting height:
Leg room:
Arm reach:
Elbow height:
Seated elbow height:
Thigh height:

20. Multivariate accommodation
Multivariate accommodation (fitting in several variables, eg, in a car you need to fit in terms of sitting height, leg room, arm reach, viewing angles, hip breadth, thigh length)
means that accepting 5% being designed out for each important dimension is not viable, because different people will be designed out for each variable. People have different proportions. Thos designed out because they are too tall may not be those designed out because their arm reach is too short.

21. Primary & secondary anthropometric data
How do designers use primary and secondary anthropometric data in solving a design problem?

22. Biomechanics IB Definition:
The research and analysis of the mechanics of living organisms.

23. The importance of biomechanics
Biomechanics is important in the design of a product in terms of muscle strength, age, handle size, surface texture, and torque.
Examples:
Can opener
Valve wheel
Corkscrew
Door handle
Jam jar lid
Discuss