Anthropometrics and Ergonomics
Angelika Ortega1,
1
Eastern Visayas State University, Tacloban City, Philippines
Abstract
This research work was conducted to define and
describe the Anthropometrics and Ergonomics,
determine their uses, and discuss their advantages/
disadvantages. This paper provided examples on how
these concepts work, and how it became beneficial to
human needs. The main points were drawn empirically
from previous studies, online journals, and accepted
theories related to this paper which had a great
contribution to the study being conducted. A conceptual
type of research was used wherein the study is
conducted by observing and analysing already present
information on a given topic. The result indicates that
anthropometrics and ergonomics are related to each
other, acquiring similarities and differences between
their definitions, uses, and the benefits they provide to
human needs.
Introduction
Ergonomics and anthropometrics are important in
architecture and in our daily lives. It improves a
product's or an environment's safety, comfort, and
performance. Anthropometric data is used to assist in
the design of goods that meet ergonomic requirements.
This study focuses on defining and describing the
concept of anthropometrics and ergonomics, including
their uses, and advantages and disadvantages.
Body
Ergonomics is the study of people and their interactions
with their surroundings. It is a scientific systematic
application of interactions between humans and other
system elements, as well as a profession that uses that
theory, concepts, data, and methodologies to
architecture in order to optimize human well-being and
total system performance. It is a branch of
anthropometrics that investigates and examines the
various sizes, forms, strengths, and other characteristics
that various groups display in order to build improved,
more 'client-friendly' goods. In other words, it is simply
a matter of correlating items and tasks to individuals.
Furthermore, ergonomics is divided into three types:
physical, psychological, and organizational ergonomics.
Because we do not all have the same height, weight, past
experiences, age, strength, or cultural expectations, we
must clearly understand and plan for the various
requirements and capacities of different people.
Ergonomics, which focuses on efficiency, safety,
leisure, or the workplace, is utilized to achieve optimal
efficiency, productivity, and staff morale.
Furthermore, ergonomics has advantages, according to
Dr. Harshavardhan Hegde, a Spine & Orthopedics
Surgeon. These include cost reduction, increased
productivity, employee engagement, and quality, as well
as the development of a safety culture. A chair, table, or
workstation, for example, can be changed in height so
a user can perform in a pleasant and comfortable
posture. Mechanical lifting systems, for example, can be
utilized to avoid back injury.
On the other hand, anthropometrics is the discipline of
ergonomics concerned with body proportions and
shapes. This approach of proportioning tries to quantify
functional ratios other than symbolic ratios. There are
two types of dimensions in anthropometric data. The
first is the structural or static dimension, which refers to
measures collected while standing with the person's
weight evenly distributed and fingers straight. The
functional or dynamic dimension refers to
measurements taken with the body in an active or
moving condition while doing a certain task. As
previously said, anthropometry tries to determine
functional measurements in connection to social
condition and type of activity.
Not all humans have the same measurements, therefore,
we need to understand and design for the varying needs
and capabilities of different people.
For example, the height and width of a doorway, or the
height and depth of a cabinet or countertop all rely on
anthropometry.
In the ancient civilization of Romans, Greeks, and
Egyptians, anthropometry was used for cultural
purposes. While during the Renaissance period,
anthropometry was used by applying human
proportions. The best example is the Vitruvian Man.
A good match between the design and the user includes
efficiency, safety, health, and comfort. In conclusion, it
improves the quality of life.
Conclusion
This research focuses on defining and characterizing the
concepts of anthropometrics and ergonomics, as well as
their applications and benefits and drawbacks.
The science of ergonomic design entails the study of the
human body, such as how to develop a design for better
health, a quality experience, and enhanced productivity.
Ergonomic design produces items that match the needs
of the human body.
Anthropometry, on the other hand, is concerned with the
measurement of the physical body dimensions and
proportions. Thus, the dimensions and proportions of
the human body are important in architecture because
they affect the structural dimension of the things we
utilize.
The fundamental distinction between the two is their
focus and application. Anthropometric data assists
designers in product design, whereas ergonomics
integrates anthropometric data when creating items to
improve user experience.
Finally, both ergonomics and anthropometrics are
crucial in architecture since they try to make every user
as comfortable as possible.
Recommendation
Based on the discussion about ergonomics and
anthropometrics, the following recommendations were
made: (1) A furniture should be designed according to
ergonomic and anthropometry. (2) Structural
dimensions of a building should be measured based
upon anthropometrical dimension. (3) A product should
be designed based on human dimensions in order to
meet the need of comfort, efficiency, safety, and health.