LABORATORY EXERCISE 2: 
techniques are analyzed and calibrated to be used for
Anthropometric Product Design
Celino, Czarina Joyce A.
Masiglat, Adrian Byron L.
IE 134 – ST1L
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Concept Discussion
Anthropometric measurements are quantitative
representations of the human body that are used in an
array of applications (Casadei & Kiel, 2020). One
application of anthropometric measurements is the
production or the enhancement of a product, service, or
a workspace. Stack et. al. (2016) deemed anthropometry
as the main basis for setting up a workstation. From the
measurements that were gathered using anthropometric
approaches, ergonomic principles are applied in order to
improve the work conditions and efficiency of a job.
B. Objectives of the exercise
The main objective of this exercise is to
introduce the student to the application of
anthropometric data for design of a product, process, or
workplace.
Specifically, it aims for the students to:
● Identify the critical dimensions of a
product/process that requires consideration of human
measurement
● Identify the anthropometric measures that
affect the critical dimensions
● Use the appropriate anthropometric
statistical measurement to produce a proposed product
design
● Analyze the fit of the proposed product
design (perform product review)
C. Significance of the concept
This exercise is a clear example of how
anthropometric measurements are applied in day to day
lives. Middlesworth (2020) mentioned in his article just
how ergonomic principles and concepts like
anthropometry are being overlooked to ordinary people.
Most people may not even realize that they are dealing
with ergonomics anywhere they look. For that, these
types of activities are helpful in order to relate complex
ergonomics principles into simple tasks.
It is important to note that although
anthropometry, in its broadest sense, is quite
straightforward, there are underlying concepts that are
applied in a much deeper manner. For example, the
measurements obtained with the use of anthropometric
the design of ergonomic workstations and products
(NIOSH, n.d.). These data are only useful when it is
transformed into quantitative baselines for improving
work conditions and efficiency.
II. METHODOLOGY
Part I
Before designing the call center
workstation, the design requirements which include
the age range of the users were first considered. A
sketch of the office chair and table were drawn by the
group and the critical dimensions were indicated in the
drawing. The corresponding anthropometric
dimensions were estimated from the tables provided. 
The design approach used for these products
is design for ranges, thus, the 5th and 95th percentiles
for certain measurements were considered. Since the
data of male and female differ from each other for
each anthropometric measurement, the lower 5th
percentile value and the higher 95th percentile value
between the two are considered in the design that we
have done so that wider users can be taken into
account. In addition to the values from the tables, we
also have added enough allowance for certain parts in
order to make the product more efficient to use.
Part II
For the Design Your Own portion of the
exercise, the group suggests a user-friendly bunk bed
fortified by the anthropometric data given in the tables.
The first step done was to enlist the critical dimensions
of the product. Then, those critical dimensions were
related to their equivalent anthropometric data that was
available. From there, the group compared the data of
male to female, and since the product requires
generous allowance for movement, male data was
deemed more significant since all critical dimensions
of male are larger than that of females. In that way,
more users can be catered.
Although the whole bunk bed is designed for
extremes (95th percentile), different design strategies
were used for different critical dimensions, since some
dimensions are being used in a different way than the
other dimensions. For example, the top and lower bunk
heights are better suited when it is designed using
averages rather than extremes because designing it for
the middle of the population makes those heights not
too high and not too low. Another dimension that is
designed for averages is the step height, since
designing it for extremes (95th percentile) may be
overkill. Ample and generous allowances were
applied, especially for the bed width in order to allow
enough room for movements. For the top bunk border
thickness, the 95th percentile foot length was added to
the average thickness of standard mattresses according
to Sen (2020). That dimension will serve as the side
and head guard for the top bunk, ensuring that the user
 will not fall off the bed. and the higher 95th percentile between the male and
female dimensions were considered.These adjustable
features, especially the adjustable seat height will
allow the user to have a more comfortable working
experience, boost his or her productivity and prevent
III. MAIN EXERCISE further health risks. (Rupavate, 2020)
Part I:
In designing the call center workstation, the
group considered all the possible anthropometric
measurements which can aid in producing a better
output.

Figure 1.1 Sketch for the Designed Office Chair

Figure 1.2 Sketch for the Designed Office Table

In designing this office table, the fact that the

Table 1.1 Critical Dimensions of the Designed Office
chair
The goal in designing this office chair is to
accommodate a wider range of users. In order to do
this, most of the features of this chair were designed to
be adjustable such as the adjustable headrest, arm rest,
and seat pan. In getting the appropriate measurements
for these adjustable features, the lower 5th percentile
workers are working for 8 hours is considered. This
means that sitting for 8 hours straight might be
uncomfortable to some. Because of this reason, the
group decided to make the table adjustable so that it
can also be used as a standing desk. According to a
Journal in Harvard Health Publishing, the benefits of
standing desks include lower risk of obesity,
cardiovascular disease, cancer, premature death, and
diabetes (Shmerling, 2016). In order to make this
possible, the sitting and standing height are considered
for both males and females. The table also comes with
a footrest with an adjustable angle. Footrests allow
better circulation and posture, reduce risks of back
pain, and increase comfortability. (DiVincenzo, 2018)
Aside from the adjustable height and the footrest, the
design of this table also considered the placement of
the computer that the workers will use. The group
considered the distance of the user to the computer to
avoid eye strain, and in order to do this, the width of
the table is measured in accordance with the length of
arm and hand. Moreover, the sitting and standing eye
height of the users are also taken into account so that
the position of the computer is at an appropriate angle
which is about 20 degrees. In measuring the length of
the table, the group made sure that the zones of reach
are considered. The position of the keyboard and
mouse should be on the primary zone where the
forearm can easily reach. The next zone is for the
phone which can be reached by extending the arms
without bending and leaning. This was measured using
Figure 2.1 Sketch for the Enhanced Bunk Bed
the thumb tip reach dimensions in the table. Lastly is
The proposed bunk bend is designed using
the tertiary zone of reach where the computer is found.
the design for extremes, since it is aimed to be used by
This is the zone in which extending the arms is
as many people as possible. By employing the said
needed, thus, the anthropometric dimension used for
design strategy, people with anthropometric
estimating this is the length of both arms and hand.
dimensions shorter than the 95th percentile can still fit
in the bed, the only difference being shorter people
will have more allowances for movement. Another
noticeable feature of the enhanced bunk bed is its
unusual staircase design. The group decided to go with
this stair layout because according to Baldwin (2018),
one risky thing about double decks is its stairs.
Traditional bunk beds have ladders instead of stairs.
Workplace Access and Safety (2017) have proved in
their article just how safer stairs are than ladders.
Considering that most people that use this product are
kids, safety should be considered more carefully. Since
the group’s individual anthropometric measurements
Table 1.2 Critical Dimensions of the Designed Office lie near the mean of each dimension, it is safe to say
table that the members of the group will easily fit on the
proposed product.

Part II:
Upon looking at the tables that are provided,
the introduction of ergonomic bunk beds is suggested.
All necessary anthropometric measurements for
designing a bunk bed is available on the tables. More
specifically, the bunk bed that is being suggested is
one that will cater up to the 95th percentile of the
population. Seen in Figure 2.1 is the sketch for the
enhanced bunk bed.

Table 2.1 - Critical dimensions of the proposed bunk

bed

Part III: Other Product Design

Considerations
1. Which anthropometric product design approach/es
would be the most appropriate to be used? Clearly and
concisely provide at least 3 justifications for each.  Exer. 1, would everyone be able to use your proposed
a. For the call center workstation, the
anthropometric product design approach used for most
of the parts is the design for ranges. Both products were
designed to cater the dimensions of the users between
the 5th and 95th percentile. On some parts, the extremes
were considered but between these two approaches, we
believe that the most appropriate is the design for
averages because of the following reasons.
 First with the office chair, the seat height was
made adjustable because of the differences in the
standing and sitting height of the workers. It is
important to consider these height differences because
they should be able to lay their feet flat on the floor or
on the foot rest. Also, when seated, their heights matter
because their thighs need to be roughly parallel to the
floor. ( Muller, 2020) In addition to the adjustable
height, the armrests’ height are also made adjustable to
accommodate the differences in elbow to elbow breadth
and can also pivot inwards and outwards to support the
length of the lower arm when doing tasks like typing.
These armrests give postural support and help in
standing up and sitting down. Another feature that was
made adjustable is the headrest, this is because of the
differences in the head width of the workers. Headrests
are important because of the support it gives to the back
of the head and the upper neck, thus, reducing tension
in the shoulders and upper torso. (“The Ergonomics of a
Chair”, 2020)
For the office desk, the height was also
designed to be adjustable so that it can also be turned
into a standing chair. The range of the height is based
on the 5th percentile of the female sitting height with
some allowance and the 95th percentile of the male’s
standing height respectively. A study in the Journal of
Physical Activity and Health says that switching
periods of sitting or standing while walking has
increased energy expenditure significantly (Creasy,
2016). 
b. For the product you chose
As mentioned in the previous sections of this
exercise, the most appropriate design strategy for the
enhanced bunk bed is the design for extremes,
particularly the 95th percentile. This is to be able to fit
most of the population. Moreover, having quite a bit
extra allowance on dimensions such as bed length and
bed width is far from being overkill. Another reason is
for safety, since as mentioned before, most people that
use this product are children. Having that said, since the
product has several dimensions, it is best for some
dimensions to employ a different design strategy as
doing it with design for extremes may be an
overabundance. In Table 2.1, it can be seen in the
remarks column that the design strategy is different
across all dimensions, since the group opted to evaluate
which design strategy to use per dimension.
2. Look at the class’ anthropometric data from Lab.
designs from Parts I and II? (need only find one
appropriate exemption) If not, explain the problem.
Part I
Based on the class’ raw anthropometric data
from laboratory exercise 1, it is inferred that all of the
subjects are able to use our designed office chair and
desks. This is because the products are originally
designed to cater a broader range of users by adding
adjustable features.
Part II
The dimensions of the enhanced bunk bed are
compared to the class data and there is not one
respondent that will not fit in the design. The
implementation of the design for extremes seems to be
a success, at least for the class setting.
3. What design compromises would have to be made to
allow everyone in the class data to use your designs? 
Part I
Since it is inferred that the design of both the
chair and desks can accommodate the subjects from the
class data, there are no design compromises which are
needed yet.
Part II
For the proposed product, since everyone in
the class data fits into the design, there are no design
compromises that need to be made.
4. With the onset of “the new normal” would there be
any changes in the anthropometric considerations in
product design (in general)? Discuss. 
With no end in sight, this new normal is
demanding for some considerations in the
anthropometric measurements used in product design.
Most of the time, people are just sitting in front of their
devices, which is bad for the posture. Consequently,
Surgeon-Orthopedic William Morrison (2018) noted
that poor posture is the leading cause of hyperlordosis,
or the excessive spinal curvature in the lower back. This
is just one example on how this pandemic is slowly
affecting the anthropometric measurements of the
population, and the group believes that some
considerations should be taken.
IV. RECOMMENDATION
Much like the previous exercise, this activity is
feasible given the learning setup that is being
experienced. For further improvements, it is
recommended to have more anthropometric data
available on the tables to cater a vaster array of possible
products. Additionally, if the experimenters needed to
conduct some estimation techniques for unavailable
measurements, a separate table for correlation
coefficients will increase the efficiency of the activity.

V. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the objectives of this exercise
are achieved. The group has learned to apply
anthropometric data for design of workplace and
product. The concept of anthropometric design
approaches was utilized. Moreover, different critical
dimensions along with the corresponding
anthropometric measurements which affect them were
identified. Overall, this exercise has shown how being
knowledgeable on different anthropometric
measurements can lead to a more efficient and
comfortable way of living.
VI. REFERENCES
Baldwin, A. (2018, April 20). Best Bunk Beds
With Stairs: Safe for Children and Toddlers.
Retrieved from Sleepholic:
https://sleepholic.com/best-bunk-beds-stairs-
for-kids/
Creasy, S. (2016, June). Energy Expenditure
During Acute Periods of Sitting, Standing, and
Walking. Retrieved September 26, 2020, from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26693809/
DiVincenzo, K. (2018, September 28). Unseen
Benefits of Ergonomic Footrests At Your
Desk. Retrieved October 18, 2020, from
https://www.work-fit.com/blog/unseen-
benefits-of-ergonomic-footrests-at-your-desk
Kiel, J., & Casadei, K. (2020, April 28).
Anthropometric Measurement. Retrieved from
National Center for Biotechnology
Information:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537
315/
Sen, S. (2020, June 26). How thick should a
mattress be? Retrieved from Early Bird by
Amerisleep:
https://amerisleep.com/blog/mattress-
thickness/
Shmerling, R. H., MD. (2016, June 18). The
truth behind standing desks. Retrieved
September 26, 2020, from
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-truth-
behind-standing-desks-2016092310264
Stack, T., Ostrom, L. T., & Wilhemlsen, C. A.
(2016, April 22). Anthropometry. Retrieved
from Wiley Online Library:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/97
81118814239.ch3#:~:text=Anthropometry
%20is%20the%20measurement%20of,and
%20strength%20capabilities%20and
%20differences.
The Ergonomics of a Chair Explained:
ChairOffice. (2020, September 14). Retrieved
October 18, 2020, from
https://www.chairoffice.co.uk/blog/the-
ergonomics-of-a-chair-explained/
Workspace Access and Safety. (2017, June 1).
Ladders, steps and stairs. What to use and
when. Retrieved from Workspace Access and
Safety:
https://www.workplaceaccess.com.au/ladders-
steps-and-stairs-what-to-use-and-when/
#:~:text=While%20all%20ladders%20are
%20more,significant%20risk%20of%20falling
%20backwards.

Muller, J. (2020, June 07). Creating the Perfect

Ergonomic Workspace- The ULTIMATE
Guide. Retrieved October 18, 2020, from
http://ergonomictrends.com/creating-perfect-
ergonomic-workspace-ultimate-guide/?
fbclid=IwAR3OzwRiv9vlOBzlZuEpsE-
wwIxSU2WgBVhDIb3zJLmE2Otpzty07Hdm
6eI

NIOSH. (n.d.). Anthropometry. Retrieved from

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/anthropomet
ry/default.html

Rupavate, S. (2020). 6 Health Benefits Of

Ergonomic Chairs At Work. Retrieved October
18, 2020, from
https://preferredergonomics.com/blogs/news/6
-health-benefits-of-ergonomic-chairs-at-work
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