Definition of Ergonomics in Books: As I have mentioned in my previous hub, ergonomics is the study of behavior and activities of people adapting

systems and workstations to the needs of users. Ergonomics works in different areas such as biomechanics, environmental, cognitive, etc. The word ergonomics is obtained from the Greek words "ergos" which means work and "nomos," which means laws, for this literally means "labor laws". We can say that ergonomics is a multidisciplinary activity responsible for the conduct and activities with the aim of bringing the products, systems, jobs and environments, characteristics, limitations and needs, looking to optimize their effectiveness, workplace safety, and workplace comfort at one place. Definition of Anthropometry What is Anthropometry? How anthropometry is related to Ergonomics? Definition of Anthropometry: Anthropometry is one of the areas that support ergonomics and deals with the human body measurements that refer to body size, strength, shape, and work capacity. Ergonomics Relationship with Anthropometry: In ergonomics, anthropometric data are used to design workspaces, safety equipment and personal protection tools considering the differences between the characteristics, abilities, and physical limits of any particular human body. The dimensions of the human body have been a recurring theme throughout the history of mankind, a widely known example is the drawing by Leonardo da Vinci, where the figure of a man is confined inside a square and a circle, where trying to describe the proportions of the human being is "perfect." However, due to the differences between the proportions and dimensions of human beings, it is not possible to find an accurate model to describe the size and proportions of humans. Anthropometric studies have been made relating to a specific population, as can be male or female, and in different age ranges. As discussed before in my previous articles or hubs, the scope of ergonomics is very broad and all the classifications and branches of ergonomics cannot be discussed in such small space and less amount of time and also listing all of them together can be very confusing, so I will discuss other branches and sub-branches of ergonomic in my upcoming hubs. This was all about ergonomics and anthropometry.

What is ANTHROPOMETRICS ? The study of the human body and its movements. The study of the human body and its movement, often involving research into measurements relating to people. It also involves collecting statistics or measurements relevant to the human body, called Anthropometric Data. The data is usually displayed as a table of results, diagram or graph. Anthropometric data is used by designers and architects.

What is ERGONOMICS ? The study of people and their relationship with the environment around them. Measurements, also known as anthropometric data, are collected and applied to designs / products, to make them more comfortable to use. The application of measurements to products, in order to improve their human use, is called Ergonomics. Ergonomics involves the study of people and their relationship with the environment around them. It often involves research into the way people interact with products and the environment. Anthropometrical data is used to determine the size, shape and/or form of a product, making it more comfortable for humans to use and easier to use. The ergonomics of a product is usually displayed as a drawing such as the one below. Whatever you are designing, it must fit the person it is design for (usually called the customer / client). Adults and children come in all shapes and sizes. We all like or dislike colours, texture, sounds, tastes, flavours, forms and shapes. Consequently, when we design products, factors such as these should be kept in mind. When designing a toy there are a number of points to consider. Children learn from sound, sight, colour, movement and other aspects. These all contribute to the ergonomics or anthropometrics of a design. ERGONOMICS is mainly concerned with working out measurements, in order to improve the design of products. For example: When designing a chair, one of the most important factors is comfort. This is linked closely to the seating height. Usually the seating height is calculated by measuring the most comfortable height for the person who is going to use the chair. If the chair is to be used by numerous people (such as in a Doctors waiting room), it is important to measure the comfortable seating height of a range of people and then work out the average height. The average seating height is then applied to the chair. WORKING OUT AVERAGE HAND WIDTH In class you could do this by finding the average width of the right or left hand of ten pupils and dividing the total by ten (called the mean average). This can be drawn on a design sheet as a table of figures (see below). In this way, the examiner and teacher can see how you have worked out your measurements. HOW TO LAYOUT AN ERGONOMICS RESEARCH SHEET Ergonomics is an important part of research. Whatever you design it must fit the person who is to use it. For example, if you are to design a door handle you may need to collect statistics regarding the size of hands. If you are designing a chair you will need to work out the average comfortable seating height. In the example below, the statistics have been worked out for the average size of adult hand. The measurements will then help in the development of a design for a desk tidy/ organiser as the overall hand sizes will determine the overall size of the desk tidy and its compartments. 1. Carefully consider the measurements that need collecting for your project. When designing a book shelf the average reaching height of an adult will need to be determined. When designing a watch strap the average circumference of a wrist will need to be calculated. 2. At the top of the page, clearly explain the measurements you are to collect. 3. Draw simple diagrams to represent the measurements you are to collect and label the dimensions - A, B, C etc... (see example) 4. Collect the measurements of at least ten people and complete the table of statistics. 5. Work out the average (mean average). This is achieved by calculating the total and dividing by the number of people taking part. Column A of our example adds up to 1752. This total is divided by 12 as this is the number of people taking part. The answer is the average measurement. 6. Do not collect too many measurements. The example opposite has room for four columns of statistics although only two have been used. 7. Add notes and labels to the diagrams if you feel an explanation is necessary. 8. At the bottom of the ergonomics page state clearly how you intend to use the statistic you have collected. 9. The same guidance applies to collecting statistics about animals. For instance, if you are designing an automatic animal