KANBrief 3/13

"How to" guide to the proper application of anthropometric data in design and standardization

At first glance, using anthropometric data in the design of work equipment would appear easy. Often however, the data are not suitable for direct use. An allowance must sometimes be added, for example for clothing, or the data permit useful conclusions only in conjunction with other body dimensions. In order to reduce the incorrect use of anthropometric data to a minimum, KAN's new guide (project contractor: Dr Scheffler, University of Potsdam) answers essential questions regarding their selection and application.  

The guide is intended for all designers and members of standards committees who before now have been intimidated by the complexity of applying anthropometric data. The guide is to encourage greater use of available data during design and standardization work, and to prevent errors in their application.

The common thread of the guide

During production of the guide, importance was attached to the use of clear flow charts and well-structured text. The guide is made up of the following sections:

1. Basic procedure: to what extent are anthropometric data required for the task in hand, and what particular aspects must be considered during their application?

2. Specific guidance: where can suitable data be found, and what interpretations can be made from them? What are percentiles?  What points need to be considered when anthropometric data are combined or data from more than one country are used? What  is the relationship between the data and the subjects' age? What points need to be con sidered during application of data for men and women? What further influencing factors apply (such as clothing)?

3. Examples of anthropometric data with warnings regarding influencing factors that must be considered during their use: certain body dimensions (such as the waist circumference) vary for example according to nutritional status, whereas others (such as the index finger length) do not.

4. Specific design and case examples that illustrate application of the guide

5. Glossary of specialist terms with explanations  and cross-references to their use in standards

6. FAQs with concise and comprehensible answers

With the aid of a flow chart (see diagram) containing cross-references to sub- chapters, the reader can either work through the entire guide,  or consult selected chapters. Key information is highlighted in text boxes to provide a clear overall view.

In addition to the PDF version, KAN will make the guide available in the form of an online tool, in order to make its content even more  accessible to users. The tool is expected to be completed at the end of 2013 (KANPraxis Koerpermass, only in German). The "Anthropometry and biomechanics" standards committee at DIN has been asked to develop the guide further and to publish it in the form of a DIN SPEC (Technical Report).  

Dr. Anja Vomberg
vomberg@kan.de