Sheet 5: Investigation into the details of the problem (anthropometrics; ergonomics; appearance; style)
On this sheet you will continue to look (in detail) at the factors which will affect your design. Read through the following points and decide which are relevant to your project. (Maybe print this off and tick those you intend to cover).
Anthropometrics
The word ‘anthropometrics’ refers to the different measurements relating to the human body. The size of various parts of the body are important in most designs. It is also important to be using the measurements of the people in your target market (which may not be average).
You need to think about which measurements could be important for your design (e.g. distance across the palm of the hand; length from the foot to the knee). Information can be found by searching on the web (e.g. using terms such as ‘anthropometrics child’). Include tables and diagrams containing relevant information.
Ergonomics
The ‘ergonomics’ refers to how a person moves around in their environment and how they use the space available. For example, a kitchen could be be effectively ergonomically designed if it is quick, easy and safe for a chef to move from the fridge to the worktop, and the worktop to the cooker.
You need to think about how the user may use space when your product is being used. Include photos and comments about whether the using the product is likely to involve:
Appearance & style
Designers often talk about ‘form’ and ‘function’ (and the balance between them). ‘Form’ refers to shape and the way the product looks. ‘Function’ refers to what the product does and how it works. The balance of importance between these two factors differs between products. For example, it is very important that an outside bin works well - i.e. strong; has a lid to stop pests; withstands the weather. It is not important that it looks good. A kitchen bin needs to look good too - people want it to fit in with their kitchen. Include:
On this sheet you will continue to look (in detail) at the factors which will affect your design. Read through the following points and decide which are relevant to your project. (Maybe print this off and tick those you intend to cover).
Anthropometrics
The word ‘anthropometrics’ refers to the different measurements relating to the human body. The size of various parts of the body are important in most designs. It is also important to be using the measurements of the people in your target market (which may not be average).
You need to think about which measurements could be important for your design (e.g. distance across the palm of the hand; length from the foot to the knee). Information can be found by searching on the web (e.g. using terms such as ‘anthropometrics child’). Include tables and diagrams containing relevant information.
Ergonomics
The ‘ergonomics’ refers to how a person moves around in their environment and how they use the space available. For example, a kitchen could be be effectively ergonomically designed if it is quick, easy and safe for a chef to move from the fridge to the worktop, and the worktop to the cooker.
You need to think about how the user may use space when your product is being used. Include photos and comments about whether the using the product is likely to involve:
- movement within or between rooms
- stretching
- lifting
- removing the product from stand
Appearance & style
Designers often talk about ‘form’ and ‘function’ (and the balance between them). ‘Form’ refers to shape and the way the product looks. ‘Function’ refers to what the product does and how it works. The balance of importance between these two factors differs between products. For example, it is very important that an outside bin works well - i.e. strong; has a lid to stop pests; withstands the weather. It is not important that it looks good. A kitchen bin needs to look good too - people want it to fit in with their kitchen. Include:
- Comments about the balance between ‘form’ and ‘function’ with your product
- If appearance is important, explain why and what may influence the way it looks
- Include any relevant photos
Example