Designing Anthropometrics! Requirements Capture for Physical Ergonomic Data for Designers

Abstract

The relationship between ergonomics and design has great potential for growth in an era of human-centred approaches such as inclusive design. In particular there is further opportunity to foster growth between the disciplines by encouraging ergonomists to better visualize and present their scientific data and in turn for designers to reconsider how they use and interpret such data. This study aims to further analyse and develop the presentation of physical ergonomic data to designers. Specifically, the research focuses on understanding the use of anthropometric data – which is critical for facilitating inclusive design – by professional designers. Interviews and questionnaires completed by ten UK-based design consultancies were adopted as two complementary research methods.The results provide information on three aspects: current anthropometric data use, suggestions on data presentation, and designers' expressed preferences regarding data tools. It is concluded that the use of anthropometric data sources by designers is currently very limited; experienced designers tend to rely mainly on experimental methods.The results suggest that there are problems with existing anthropometric data regarding its usefulness, usability and desirability. The study also provides insights into designers' inherent approach to data collection and use. In addition, the research highlights the potential for developing a highly visual, simple and intuitive data tool in the future based on designers' preferences and suggestions.