Anthropometrics

Whenever we look at other people, it's clear that some of us have longer legs, shorter torsos, wider hands, and so on. Believe it or not, the average of our various body measurements is applied in nearly every design choice. Without this data, known as anthropometrics, we would be uncomfortable and unhappy. Imagine having to prepare a meal on a counter top that was made in mind for someone who was 4' 9" tall. Unless you are around this height, it would require a lot of bending over and be difficult to do even simple tasks. Use of anthropometric measurements ensure that we are able to function normally. Our differences come from from factors such as race and age, but by taking the average of measurements, spaces are designed so that the majority of the population will not have issues with a space. 

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As a freshman in college, I worked part time at a daycare. While this did not exactly line up with my career plans, I did get to see how certain aspects of the space were designed with the consideration of the end user (children) in mind. One of my "duties" while being there was to help the kids when they needed to go to the bathroom. During this time, I would notice that many kids would be in line for a tiny toilet, while the average-sized toilet was virtually abandoned. Trying to speed up the process a bit, I suggested that they could use the "bigger potty," to which one kid responded, "but the big potty is scary." As an adult, it sounded slightly comical at first, but comparing the major difference in body sizes, it would make sense that a toilet nearly as tall as the child would be a bit intimidating. Keeping in mind the needs of the children, tables and chairs were also at a much smaller scale. Day cares are one example where age affects the size at which certain things are designed.

This child's needs are not met because the toilet is too large.
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As previously stated, anthropometric data is based on averages. Sometimes we have some control, as with an adjustable seat. We are able to change the height to match our level of comfort needed. However, a lot of times, this is not the case. Many things, such as door frames or mattresses, have a standard height/length based off of anthropometric data that includes the majority of the population. If you are 6'8", you may not be able to use a full sized mattress without your feet hanging off the end or walk through a door without bending over. "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" (Trumpold). Especially in public spaces, averages are used to keep the needs met of most people. If you fall outside of the average, personal measurements might be required in order to make specific modifications so you don't have to suffer from not being an "average" person. 

This person has no worry about hitting their head as they pass through the door.
Photo taken by me

Anthropometric data varies within our own communities and around the world. Height measurements from Japanese studies tend to be shorter (by two inches) than heights in western countries (Langtree, 2018).  ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) includes the area needs for wheelchair accessibility. Anthropometrics has a key role in universal design-- creating spaces accessible for everyone. Sometimes you might wonder why a hallway is so wide. Even though one person may not need all of the space, a different individual may. Design choices like this are made everyday in order to accommodate the general population.

Hallways must be wheelchair accessible.
Sketch by Me

Anthropometrics is taken into account when spaces and objects are designed. Looking at averages and who the end-user will be is necessary to the success of a design. It is acceptable to make everything smaller when the majority of users in the space are children, but not if the average is based off of adults. While some individuals may have requirements outside of the norm, using these averages in universal design makes sure that as many people's needs as possible will be meet. Anthropometrics is something we don't typically think about in our day-to-day activities, but plays a key role in how well we function. 

Sources:

Langtree, I. (2018, February 27). Height Chart of Men and Women in Different Countries. Retrieved from https://www.disabled-world.com/calculators-charts/height-chart.php

Trumpold, R. (n.d.). Anthropometrics. Retrieved from http://www.ruthtrumpold.id.au/destech/?page_id=870