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ANTHROPOMETRICS AND ERGONOMETRICS.

Measurements are the basis of units, drawings and constructions.
Man is the measure of all things. Using man as a unit of measurement gives a
clearer picture of the related distance or length.
Anthropometrics is simply defined as body measurements or human factors. It is a
branch of ergonomics. Ergonomics is the science of good design. It deals with the study
of how working conditions, machines and equipments can be arranged in an order that
people can work with them more efficiently.
It also involves the study on various factors which affect man. These factors
include illumination, colour, temperature, noise, vibration, dust and fumes. Ergonomics is
also the science of making the work environment safer and comfortable for workers using
design and anthropometric data.
Anthropometrics as a branch of ergonomics deals with the measurement of the
physical characteristics of human beings, particularly their sizes and shapes.
Humans are very important facets of any system this is why they must be used as a
yardstick in designing.
Anthropometric data varies as the users increase. The larger the size of the user, the
more the data is collected. Anthropometrics gives an understanding of the following;
• Space requirements at different positions/ postures.
• Sizes of utensils, equipments and work pieces.
• Space humans require with fittings.
• Space required for easy movement.
Leonard da Vinci, Durer, Michelangelo and A. Zeising were the fathers of
anthropometrics. The details worked out by Durer became a common standard and were
used extensively. He started with the height of man and subdivisions as fractions; ½h,
1/4h, 1/6h….1/40h. The golden section was as a result of A Zeising’s further research. He
brought greater clarity with his investigations of the dimensional relationship of man’s

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proportion. His postulation was not given serious attention but was latter endorsed by
E,Moessel. Le Corbusier modified the golden section which he used and called it ‘Le
Modulor’. In designing for man the following must be considered;

• Reach- the maximum space required for it to be within reach.

• Clearance /allowance- The minimum space needed when there are multiple users
using similar equipment within a specific location.
• Adjustability- ability of the same work piece to suit different users who have
different sizes.
Below are illustrations of standard measurements (allowance, clearance) in designing.