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New
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Year 10

Anthropometrics and ergonomics

I can identify and interpret anthropometric data to design ergonomic products.

icon-background-square
New
New
Year 10

Anthropometrics and ergonomics

I can identify and interpret anthropometric data to design ergonomic products.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Anthropometric data is the record of people's measurements.
  2. Interpreting graphs and using percentages are required when working with anthropometric data.
  3. Anthropometric data can be used to design ergonomic products.

Keywords

  • Anthropometrics - the measurements of people

  • Bell curve - a symmetrical line representing a normal distribution of data, most values cluster around the average and will reduce towards the high and low extremes

  • Percentile - one part of a data set after splitting the data set into 100 equal parts; this will equate to a value

  • Ergonomics - the interaction between people and the products they use

Common misconception

Designing products using the average measurements in an anthropometric data set will provide a successful user experience for all users.

Designing for the average person can diminish user experience and exclude a significant portion of the population from using products.


To help you plan your year 10 design and technology lesson on: Anthropometrics and ergonomics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Teachers can use alternative products to the ones displayed in the slide deck. Having products in front of students to use when considering anthropometrics and ergonmics can support learning.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

Examples of products.

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
When you analyse a product you are ...
developing a marketing strategy to promote the product
predicting future trends and technological advancements in the industry
Correct answer: examining the features of the product in full detail
understanding the next stage in the products life cycle
Q2.
Which subheadings can be used to analyse a product?
Correct answer: User
Creativity
Reuseability
Correct answer: Environment
Correct answer: Ergonomics
Q3.
Product analysis is a type of __________ research.
Correct Answer: primary
Q4.
When data is recorded using words, it is called __________data.
quadratic
quantitative
quality
Correct answer: qualitative
quantity
Q5.
When data is recorded using numbers, it is called __________data.
quadratic
Correct answer: quantitative
quality
qualitiative
quantity
Q6.
Examples of quantitative data are ...
Opinions
Correct answer: Age
Correct answer: Height
Correct answer: Cost
Interviews

6 Questions

Q1.
Anthropometrics is...
the measurements of products
the measurements of parts
Correct answer: the measurements of people
the measurements of places
the measurements of production
Q2.
Anthropometric data is either a fixed measurement or a ___________measurement.
Correct Answer: range of motion
Q3.
What is the line called going across the histogram?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: the bell curve, bell curve, line of normal distribution
Q4.
What data will ensure that the majority of users are considered by the designer?
0th to 50th percentile
Correct answer: 5th to 95th percentile
5th to 90th percentile
50th to 95th percentile
Q5.
Ergonomics is...
the understanding of why people use products.
Correct answer: the interaction between people and products.
the study of the measurements of products.
the detailed analysis of products.
Q6.
Why is it important to consider anthropometric data in when designing ergonomic products?
It helps designers create visually appealing products.
Correct answer: It ensures that products fit a wide range of users.
It helps in determining the product's lifespan.
Correct answer: It increases safety and the success of the user experience.
It reduces the cost of production.