Design Technology

Topic 1

Topic 1
Human factors and ergonomics

Design Technology
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Topic 1: Human factors and ergonomics (12 hours)

Essential idea: Designers consider three human factors to ensure products meet ergonomic
needs.

1.1a Anthropometrics
Nature of the design:
Design is human centered and, therefore, designers need to ensure that the products they
design are the right size for the user and therefore comfortable to use. Designers have
access to data and drawings, which state measurements of human beings of all ages and
sizes. Designers need to consider how users will interact with the product or service. Use
and misuse is an important consideration.
Utilization:
Design technology topic 7

International-mindedness:

A wide selection of
anthropometric data
is published and
regionalized, for
example, Asian data
versus western
European data. The
designer must work
with data appropriate
to the target market.

Theory of knowledge:

Do the methods of
data collection used
in design technology
have more in common
with disciplines in the
human sciences or
the natural sciences?

Aims:

Aim 6: Anthropometric
data sets can vary
significantly between
populations.
Particularly in the
fashion industry, the
variance in these data
sets impacts the size
range of clothes for
particular markets.

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Concept and principles:

Anthropometric data: static and dynamic

data, structural and functional data

Primary data versus secondary data

Percentiles and percentile ranges

Range of sizes versus adjustability

Clearance, reach and adjustability.

Guidance:

Collecting anthropometric data

considering reliability and limitations.

Interpreting percentile tables for user

populations.

Design contexts where different

percentile ranges are used

Ergonomics: The application of scientific information concerning the

relationship of human beings to the design of objects, systems and
environments.
Ergonomics is the science of designing the job,
equipment, and workplace to fit the worker.
Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent
repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over
time and can lead to long-term disability

Work station

Designers of computer workstations must

consider a wide range of human factors, but
especially the heights of both the seat and the
computer, the reach forward to the keyboard and
the disk drive, and the turning of the head or
body that may be required for writing or talking.

Anthropometrics: The aspect of ergonomics that deals with body

measurements, particularly those of size, strength and physical capacity.
This is the branch of ergonomics that deals with
body shape and size. People come in all shapes
and sizes so you need to take these physical
characteristics into account whenever you
design anything that someone will use, from
something as simple as a pencil to something as
complex as a car.
The measurement and collection of data
concerning the different sizes of men, women
and children

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1.1.1a Identify the objectives of human factor design

Reduce errors
Increase safety
Increase ease of use
Reduce stress and fatigue
Enhance operational comfort
Improve system performance,
reliability and maintenance

1.1.2a State that ergonomics is multidisciplinary, encompassing

anthropometrics, psychological factors and physiological factors.
Ergonomics involves a combination of factors:
1. Anthropometrics: deals with body measurements,
particularly those of size, strength and physical capacity.
Ex. making the product fit peoples measurements such as
making a mouse curve to fit in all hands.
2. Psychological factors: these factors have more to do with
the brain than the body.
(Smell, light, sound, taste, texture and temperature)
3. Physiological factors: these factors have more to do with
bodily tolerances such as comfort and fatigue.
Ex. Padding parts in a seat bottom where pressure will be
applied for long periods of time.
1.1.3a Compare the collection of static(structural) anthropometric data with the
collection of dynamic (functional )anthropometric data.

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There are two types of body measurements:

Static (Structural) dimensions: Measurements taken when the body is
in a fixed position
Dynamic (Functional): Distances are measured when the body is in
motion or engaged in
a physical activity ( reach envelope, force of grip, reaction speed to
external stimuli etc.).
Static
Dynamic
Easier to gather: as people are
asked to remain still while Difficult to obtain: Involves
measurements are taken.
people carrying out tasks in
many different ways
More reliable: since it can be
easily measured using special
tools while people are not
moving.

More useful: because it

demonstrates the range and
ease with which movement can
be made.

1.1.4a Explain how designers use primary and secondary anthropometric data in
solving a design problem.
Primary anthropometric data
collection

Secondary anthropometric data

collection

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(Also called field research)

involves the collection of data (by
the designer) that does not already
exist. This can be through
numerous forms, including
questionnaires and telephone
interviews

(Also known as desk research)

involves the summary, collation
and/or synthesis of existing data
rather than primary data, where
data is collected from, for
example, research subjects or
experiments.

1.1.5a Define percentile range.

Percentile range: That proportion of a population with a dimension at or
less than a given value.

Large groups can be defined in terms of common characteristics such as

age, gender, physical condition, ethnicity etc.
Range of users for a particular design or system is called the user
population
Percentiles are shown in anthropometry tables and they tell you
whether the measurement given in the tables relates to the 'average'
person, or someone who is above or below average in a certain
dimension.
NO ONE IS AVERAGE IN EVERY ASPECT.

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What are the steps for use of anthropometric data in

design?
1. Determine the intended users (user population):
2. Determine the relevant body dimensions.
3. Determine the percentile value of the selected anthropometric
dimension (5%, 95%, or some other
4. Make necessary modifications to the data to take in to
consideration clothing, gloves, and headwear.
5. Use mock-ups or simulators to test the design.

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1.1.6a Describe design contexts where different percentile ranges are

used.
( consider clearance, reach, adjustability)

For Fit (clearance) use: 95th %le, so large persons can fit.
For Reach use: 5th %le person, so small persons can reach.
All electrical appliances 50th %le person,
Manufacturers use a range of percentiles when safety (including health)
and comfort are important in the product.
5th %ile
Height of a shelf

State the percentile range used for the

following designs.

50th%ile
Height of a desk
1
Height of a washing machine
Height of a cooker
2

Design

Percentile range

Vehicle dashboards
Shelving

95h%ile
Height of a door
Length of a bed

Jeans

Helmets

Door handles

5th -95th %ile

Mass produced clothing
Shoes

Light switches

Height of a bench

Note: it is uneconomical to design for people whose sizes are outside

the 5th-95th range (i.e.1th and 99th percentile). So with volume production
it is important to standardize sizes
The cost of accommodating all possible combinations increases
dramatically past this range and in most situations is not justified
Whilst ergonomic design is often a compromise, you must never
compromise safety. If there is a real risk of injury, you may have to use
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more extreme percentiles (1%ile or 99%ile or more) to make sure that

everyone is protected (not just 95% of people).

Clearance requirements - consider the largest users (95th

percentile male)
Clearance the minimum space required for the body or
body segment to pass through (or not). Maximum breadth
and depth dimensions are used (person or technology e.g.
wheelchair).

Reach requirements - consider the smallest users (5th

percentile female)
Reach dynamic reach envelope influenced by:
Posture (sitting < standing).
Footbase (increased reach with increased footbase).
Weight in hands (heavy weight decreases reach).
Proximity to obstacles (wall/obstacle behind person
decreases reach

Adjustability requirements
Adjusting the workplace (shape, location, and orientation of
the workplace)
Adjusting the worker position relative to the workplace (change

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1.1.7a Discuss how the concepts of range of sizes and

adjustability affect the design of products.

Designing for adjustability means that provision is made within the

design for adjustments to accommodate the anthropometric variability
between members and the user group. In other words adjustability
avoids anthropometric mismatch. The adjustments can be performed
using mechanical, electrical pneumatic or hydraulic means.
Adjustability is done to increase the population that can use it in an
ergonomically appropriate position. The range from 5th percentile
female to 95th percentile male will accommodate 95th percentile of a
male and female population because of the overlap between female and
male body dimensions for each dimension. Consumers outside this range
often have to seek customized solutions to meet their needs.
Can you list some examples?

Seat height and steering wheel position in cars.

Office chairs ( height and back rest tilt adjustment)
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Ironing board

1.1.8a Explain the limitations of using the 50th percentile as a

means of designing for the average person.

The 50th percentile refers to one particular dimension.

For example No one is average in every aspect.
someone may be average in height but not average in other
dimensions
The limitations of using the 50h percentile as a
means of designing for the average person, is
because you may be in the 50th percentile for
the size of pants, but however you may have
really thin legs, thus those pants will not fit you
well.
Pants with average waist width but with thicker leg

width.

1.1.9a Identify specific design contexts where the designer would

The percentile
ergonomic ofranges
Lego andfor
Duplo-blocks
: user groups.
use
particular
Lego blocks for instance, are small, with sharp edges and small
connecting
which
makes
the design more complex and the blocks
For
example:holes
toys for
young
children.
harder to connect with each other.
Consequently, it is destined for children age five and over.

Duplo-blocks on the other hand are simpler in design, with a bigger size
and softer touch, they are destined for children up to three years old.
Also, the duplos are big enough not fit in the mouth or throat of a toddler

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1.1.10a Explain why it is difficult to collect accurate

anthropometric data.
( consider reliability and limitations)

Tools used:
Unreliability may have arisen from the tools used to perform
anthropometry

Personnel training:
anthropometric techniques are prone to errors that could arise,
for example, from the inadequate training of personnel

Time of the day:

Because the cartilaginous discs of the spinal column get
compressed by body weight throughout the day we tend to be
slightly shorter in the evening up to 0.9.

Persons body shape:

Problems from collecting accurate data from nude or clothed
people ( people work with shoes and cloth)

Users do not carry tasks in the same way:

so data may be unreliable when observing user behaviour.

Obtaining static data is straight forward:

but users interact with products and systems dynamically making
accurate data gathering difficult to obtain.

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1.1b Psychological factors

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Nature of design:
Human beings vary psychologically in complex ways. Any attempt by designers to classify
people into groups merely results in a statement of broad principles that may or may not be
relevant to the individual. Design permeates every aspect of human experience and data
pertaining to what cannot be seen such as touch, taste, and smell are often expressions of
opinion rather than checkable fact.

International-mindedness:

The origin of psychology (as

a mainly western academic
subject) along with recent
neurological insights on a
global scale need to be taken
into account in applying any
psychological factors to
global design problems.

Theory of knowledge:

How might the

collection and
interpretation of
data be affected
by the limitations
of our sense
perception?

Aims:
Aim 3: The analysis of the
human information processing
system requires a designer to
critically analyse a range of
causes and effects to identify
where a potential breakdown
could occur and the effect it
may have.

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Concepts and principles:

Data in relation to light, smell, sound, taste,

temperature and texture as qualitative or
quantitative (ordinal/interval)
Human information processing
Methods of collecting psychological factor
systems
data

Representing the human information

Effect of environmental factors
processing system using flow diagrams
Applying the human information
Alertness
processing system to a common task
Evaluating effects and reasons for a
Perception
breakdown in the human information
processing system
User responses to environmental factors
How environmental factors induce different
levels of alertness
The
importance
of optimizing
Smell: important in food, perfumes,
candles,
deodorants,
environmental
factors to
chemicals. Unpleasant odors are added
to chemicals
tomaximize
warn
workplace performance
people.
Assessing the impact of perception in
relation
to the accuracy
and reliability of
Light: the level of illumination should
increase
as the tasks
psychological factor data.
becomes more precise; for example the illumination required for
a surgeon is brighter than the illumination needed for a corridor.

Psychological factor data

Guidance:

Lighting in workplaces, safety. For example effects of florescent

1.2.1b Outline the significance of psychological factors (smell,
lighting
and rotating
on machinery.
Lighting effect
on
light,
sound,
taste, parts
texture
and temperature)
to ergonomics.
ambience and mood, e.g. lighting in restaurants gentle,
calming, stimulating.
Sound: can be used to:
Provide information such as warning signal (fire alarm or
The effectiveness
of a product or environment can be affected by
alarm).
individuals
reactions
to sensory
stimuli.
Sound for reassurance
that the
product is working ex.
Designers
should
take
into
account
these
factors to improve an
Watches
operators
efficiency
or
comfort.
Feedback , whistling kettles, reversing trucks
Sound can be positive in the environment such as playing music
in an exhibition. Noise can also be negative in a workspace,
thats why open plan offices use screens to reduce noise.
Taste: important in food, it must have a good taste to sell well.
Responses to taste are also a factor of culture and experience.
Texture: shapes and textures improve products and make them
easier to use, for example bottle tops, handles fabrics and nonslip floors, smooth worktops in kitchen.

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1.2.2b Outline methods of collecting psychological factor data.

Some of the more popular methods used for obtaining information
related to psychology include observation, survey and interview,
standardized testing, case studies, and physiological measures.
1. Observation
Observation is a commonly used method to obtain psychological
data. Observations must be systematic and the observer must
have an idea of what they are looking for. Some observations
must be made in a more controlled setting and might take place
in a laboratory, where outside influences can be controlled or
eliminated for the period of observation. The downside of a
laboratory observation is that the participants will know they are
being observed and may behave differently than they would in a
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natural environment. Naturalistic observation is conducted in

normal environments and has the benefit of natural behavior
from the participant, however, outside influences are not as
easily controlled. Observation is often used to help shape other
methods of data collection, such as surveys.
2. Surveys & Interviews
Some data can be obtained by simply asking for it. Using
questionnaires and inteviews. It is important for these surveys
and interviews to be worded carefully and in an unbiased
manner to prevent influencing the respondent's answers.
Surveys are a great way to find out how a person views issues,
however, respondents may not be entirely honest and may give
answers they believe are considered more socially acceptable,
even if those answers differ from their true thoughts and
opinions.
3. Standardized Testing
Standardized testing is commonly used to obtain information
from respondents in a uniform manner. Each respondent is
treated exactly the same, given the exact same tasks, and
placed in the exact same environment for testing. Standardized
testing is a good way to gather information from an individual to
be compared to the information others have provided, however,
standardized testing cannot take into account that personalities
and attitudes vary from day to day. Some individuals may do
well testing in one setting, while others may not and a
standardized test cannot take this into account.
4. Case Studies
Case studies are conducted on a single individual when, for
whatever reason, the situation or condition cannot be replicated
in others. Case studies tend to be very in-depth and may include
information from medical records, interviews or even therapy
sessions. When considering the information rendered by case
studies, it is important not to make generalizations based on
this information due to the singular nature of a case study
1.2.3b Describe four types of data scales.( relate to
methods of collecting psychological factor data).
Nominal
Ordinal
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Interval
Ration
Arranged from weakest to
strongest

The way numbers represent a particular measurements is called the

scale

Smell

Ordinal

Light

Interval

Sound

Interval

Taste

Ordinal

Texture

Ordinal

temperatur
e

Interval

Qualitativ
e
Quantitati
ve
Quantitati
ve
Qualitativ
e
Qualitativ
e
Quantitati
ve

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Nominal scale: ( categorical)

Color groups
Nominal means by name. It deals with classification of objects into
groups each one is identified by name. (Plant, animal, mineral..etc. )
Numbers may be used to represent the variables but the numbers do
not have numerical value or relationship. Examples of these
classifications include gender, nationality, language, genre, style,
biological species, and form.
A nominal scale identifies data according to a category only but it
would not have any value.

Qualitative, no value.

Ordinal scale: ( categorical)

It deals with order or positions of items, the difference between items

in the scale are not indicated.

Classifies data according to a rank ( 1st , 2nd , 3rd ,etc.) ( hot,

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hotter, hottest)
No quantitative assessment

Interval scale: ( numerical)

Equal divisions,
Numerical, Quantitative
Zero doesnt mean
there is no temp.
It is an arbitrary zero
point
Temperature Celsius scale

It is organized into even divisions or intervals such that the

difference between the divisions or intervals is of equal size although
there is no natural zero.
Measurements are made in equal units
Quantitative
Arbitrary zero point

Ratio scale: ( numerical)

Ex.. Zero
represents no
earth
movement.
Each level is 10
times stronger
Richter scale of earthquake intensity

Similar to interval scale although a true zero exists. Height and

weight are examples of ratio scale since a zero measurement is
possible.
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Has a true zero value

Kelvin scale a natural zero exist
Quantitative

1.2.4b Discuss the influence of perception when collecting

data relating to psychological factors. ( consider accuracy and
reliability)
Individuals perceive the world in different ways according to
experience, culture..etc. and react differently to sensory stimuli. what
might be acceptable/pleasant for one person may be unacceptable/
unpleasant for another; it is difficult to convert perceptions into
quantitative data in a meaningful way to allow comparison;
Qualitative data is gathered in the context to better elicit meaningful
responses from individuals and groups.
Quantitative data may be used in a design context relating to
psychological factors, but individuals vary in their reaction to the
data.
For example, one person will find a room temperature comfortable
while another person will find it uncomfortable, though the
temperature is constant a range of comfort zones will exist based on
body mass, manner of dress or physiological changes that can be
developed from exposure to a particular temperature or environment
over time.

People feel and react differently to psychological factors

therefore the recorded data will vary
too hot/cold yet the room temperature hasn't changed
will be difficult to get it right while designing considering only
quantitative data
Space- Space is another part of the environment perceived by
individuals differently. Comfort zones or personal space vary
from culture to culture.
Taste: responses to taste are also a factor of culture and
experience.
Value: may be perceived as function of cost, features, prestige,

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1.2.5b Describe the human information processing systems.

Information about our surroundings is continually being supplied by
our senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. This information
is sent to the brain for integration and processing. The brain then
provides signals to the bodys muscles to take the requied action.

For example a car driver processes information from the road and
the car, and produces various control responses such as braking or
changing gear.

1.2.6b Explain that the human information processing system can be represented
by an information flow diagram.

The arrows represent the flow of information through the system. The
boxes represent functional elements in the processing chain, where
information is processed.

1.2.7b Applying the information flow diagram to particular contexts.

Draw information flow diagram to make a telephone call
Input

Input

Telephone

Sensory
processes
Eyes

Sensory
processes
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Central
processes

Central
processes

Motor processes
Nerve Impulses
to muscles

Motor
processes

Output

Output

Dial number

Draw information flow diagram when asked a question

1.2.8b Outline how the flow process described may break down.
A breakdown in the information processing chain could occur at any stage.
The information input could be incompatible with the sensory receptors. (the input
maybe too high in frequency to be detected)
At the central processing stage, the incoming information may be incorrect, or no suitable
responses to it are available. (damage associated with a stroke)
The motor output stage maybe unable to inform the actions specified by the central
processing unit.

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1.2.9b Explain How environmental factors induce different levels of alertness.

Environmental factors such as (Noise, lighting, temperature,
humidity, vibration) may affect: hearing, vision, general comfort and
health.
The environmental factors (ambient temperature, amount of sunlight)
activate peoples senses, responses to them vary from one individual to
another, and they are difficult to quantify scientifically (qualitative).
For a variety of genetic and environmental reasons, some peoples
brain functions differently in response to environmental stimuli, every
person tries to reach an optimal level of arousal from the environment
and too little stimulation causes a person to be bored while too much
stimulation causes anxiety.
Environmental light. Bright light tends to increase alertness,
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particularly during the over-night hours. Whether youre at home or on

the job, dim light or darkness set the stage for falling asleep.
Temperature and humidity. Cool, dry air, especially on your face,
makes it easier to stay alert, while heat and humidity make you
drowsy. Similarly, a cold shower is invigorating, while a warm bath
prepares you for sleep.
Sound. As you know, sound can be both a tool for promoting sleep
and increasing alertness. Be conscious of the sound around you and
adjust it to fit what you need. For example, the soft hum of computers
in the middle of the night might lull you into sleep.
Aroma. Some researchers believe that aromas like peppermint, pine
and citrus
can make people more alert. Lavender, meanwhile, seems
Alertness:
to have
a sedative
effect. attention by high sensory awareness
is the
state of active
such as being watchful and prompt to meet danger or
emergency, or being quick to perceive and act. It is related
as well
as to
physiology
to Ifpsychology
there is an optimal
degree
of alertness,
the performance ability is at its
best.
If there is a low degree of alertness, the performance ability is also low.
alertness
affected
by different
factorsability
such may
as:
Level
If onof
other
hand the can
level be
of alertness
is very
high, performance
Time
also of
be the
low. day : early morning low alertness
Character of the task: little variation results in low level of
alertness and reduced performance ability.

In monotonous work with a low level of stimulation alertness

can be kept at a high level by means of secondary
stimulation, such as music.
On the other hand, where the job provides a certain level of
stimulation, and thereby a good level of alertness, a
secondary stimulation may result in too high level of alertness
and a reduction in efficiency. Music and other secondary
stimuli while people work is thus only of value in tasks that
are monotonous or where the mental load from the job is low.

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1.2.10b Explain the importance of optimizing environmental factors to maximize

workplace performance
The work environment can impact on a persons performance in a
number of different ways from:
effects that damage health (heat stress, musculoskeletal
disorders);
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effects that reduce the individuals ability to perform a task

(poor lighting, distraction);
to effects that cause dissatisfaction, resistance to change and
uncooperative attitudes

Lighting At its simplest, different levels of lighting are required for

different types of work close, accurate work such as soldering a
control panel will require higher light levels than walking down a
corridor. However, when considering lighting, a number of different
factors need to be considered such as colour, contrast, glare and so
on.
Thermal comfort Extremes of temperature (very cold and very
hot) can put physiological stress on an individual. Lack of control of
the temperature of a workplace (e.g. in an open plan office) can lead
to job dissatisfaction and increased incidence of stress and long term
sickness absence.
Working space Work rooms should have enough free space to
allow people to move about with ease..
Noise When assessing a task, employers should also consider
whether noise might interfere with safety-critical communications. In
addition, exposure to high levels of noise can increase individual
experience of stress, as may even relatively low noise levels if
significantly above background/ambient and if experienced over long
periods.

Vibration Whole body vibration (such as experienced in vehicle

cabs) can contribute to lower back pain and fatigue. Some
frequencies of vibration can have a negative effect on visual
performance. Relatively uncommon effects of low frequency
vibration (infrasound) can include throbbing in the head (7Hz) and
temporary depressed psychological states.

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The figure below shows a diagram plotting the

symmetrical actionable envelope created by a seated
individual. awareness of this space would then allow
designers to consider issues associated with reach,
posture, comfort, accessibility etc

Workspace Layout
Importance - most important items should be most central
and closest.
Function - items with similar functions should be closest
together.

..

..

..
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..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

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..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

1.1c Physiological factors

Nature of design:
Designers study physical characteristics to optimize the users safety, health, comfort and
performance.
Utilization:
Design technology topic 7
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Aims:
International-mindedness:
Theory of knowledge:

It is important that the

physiological factor
data are either
regional/national data
or great care is taken
when applying data
from one source to a
potentially
inappropriate target
market.

This topic is about

human factors. How
do ethical limitations
affect the sort of
investigations that can
take place where
human subjects are
involved?

Aim 8:
Understanding
complex
biomechanics and
designing products to
enable full
functionality of body
parts can return
independence and
personal and social
well-being to an
individual.

Guidance:
Concepts and principles:

Physiological factor data

Comfort and fatigue

Biomechanics

Types of physiological factor data available

to designers and how they are collected

How data related to comfort and fatigue

informs design decisions

The importance of biomechanics to the

design of different products considering
muscle strength, age, user interface and
torque

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1.1.1c Types of physiological factor data available to designers and how they are
collected
Physiological factors: these factors have more to do with bodily
tolerances (how much can the body withstand) such as comfort
and fatigue.
Fatigue: when people get tired they react in different ways.
Comfort: is a qualitative consideration and differs massively between
different people.
Designers study physical characteristics to optimize the users safety, health, comfort
and performance. Users have different perceptions of situations e.g.
comfort:
So obtaining users responses may provide unreliable data.
Examples: The controls for a machine may be designed for correct
reach but, if in constant use, may cause fatigue and inefficiency
which may lead to accidents and injuries. That means the workers
may be absent and cost the company money.

How to explore the issue

Incident Investigation
Risk Assessment
Accident Investigation

Risk Assessment

What went wrong and exposed

people to the hazard?

What could go wrong that could

expose people to the
hazard?

What were the immediate

causes?

What would be the immediate

causes?
(What human failures
error/violation)?

Survey methods informal interviews and discussion,

questionnaires (Those seeking objective information from
individuals concerning their experiences of fatigue or Those
seeking subjective information relating mainly to underlying
causes of fatigue)

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1.1.2 c How data related to comfort and fatigue informs design decisions
A car seat may be comfortable for short journeys but not for long
journeys. The designer can reduce this by skilful design.
Ex. Padding parts in a seat bottom where pressure will be applied for
long periods of time.
Adjustability also accommodates a range of user sizes, allows for
customization to an individual's preferences and provides an
opportunity for users to readjust the chair when seated for long
periods.

1.1.3c Outline how motor outputs may be inhibited if the physical fit between the
person and the environment is wrong.

If the motor outputs required from a process are incompatible with the
capacities and capabilities of an individual due to age (young children,
elderly), skill level, disability infirmity they will be severely impeded.
Young children may not have the size, strength, fine motor control, or skill to
perform some tasks, while those at the other end of the spectrum in old age may have
similar problems. People with disabilities such as Parkinsons disease, may also not have
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the fine motor control required.

1.1.4c Define Biomechanics

The research and analysis of the mechanics of living organisms particularly in relation
to animals and the human body.
1.1.4 c Discuss the importance of biomechanics to the design of
different products considering muscle strength, age, user
interface and torque

(Two examples of biomechanical aids, represented by chopsticks, and

a rubber grip for undoing tight lids of various sizes).
In the design of products you need to consider muscle strength, age,
handle size, surface texture, and torque (for example, in a can
opener, valve wheel, corkscrew, door handle, jam jar lid).
Within the design of any device or product are a number of
assumptions made by the designer regarding the biomechanical
capacities of the user population. That is to say, that successful
operation assumes that sufficient pressure will be able to be brought
to bear to push and activate a button, or toggle a switch on a control
panel, or that sufficient force can be applied to turn the handle of a
can opener or corkscrew.
While assumptions are made in designs, these assumptions are based
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on anthropometric measurements establishing the population

distributions for capabilities such as strength, dexterity and fine motor
control.
Age related muscle weakness and a number of medical conditions
such as Arthritis, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, etc. exist that
significantly impact on the assumed capabilities. In order to
accommodate these groups of users, special adaptations or
modifications may be required, either to the original design, or
through the development of adaptive technologies that amplify
biomechanical capabilities, such as those shown in the figure below

..

..

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..

..

..

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..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

..

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..

..

End of Topic 1

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