Peer reviewedERIC Number: EJ708270
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Nov-1
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0746-3537
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Designing to Fit People of Different Sizes: One Product Can Indeed Fit Nearly All People
Reeder, Kevin
Technology Teacher, v64 n3 p12 Nov 2004
People interact with products and vehicles in a physical manner. They push lawn mowers, they hold mixers, and they drive cars and trucks. This interaction is greatly improved when there is a physical, dimensional match between the people and the products and vehicles they use. However, people vary in size and shape. The study and application of this physical variation is called anthropometrics. We experience products and vehicles designed to accommodate this physical variation or range on a daily basis. As an example, straps adjust in length, seats adjust front to back, and mirrors adjust for the best view. In another manner, some products employ anthropometric information to discourage use by people while others make accommodations through technology. In all cases, the designers understand how important the fit is between the physical size of the item and the physical sizes of the people using it. This article discusses examples of products and vehicles that have been designed to accommodate the anthropometric range of people and offers course projects that introduce students to anthropometrics and its applications.
Descriptors: Performance Technology, Human Factors Engineering
Publications Department, International Technology Education Association, 1914 Association Drive, Suite 201, Reston, VA 20191-1539. Tel: 703-860-2100; Fax: 703-860-0353; Web site: http://www.iteaconnect.org.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A


