IB Design Technology CORE T1-6: Human Factors

Study Notes

Design must prioritize human-centered approaches to ensure product comfort and usability.
Anthropometric data provides essential measurements for various human sizes and shapes across different age groups.
Understanding user interaction with products includes awareness of potential use and misuse.
Anthropometric data can vary significantly between populations, impacting industries like fashion regarding sizing.
Human Factors: The intersection of ergonomics and anthropometrics aimed at improving user-product interaction.

Reduce user stress and fatigue, leading to faster and safer task completion with fewer mistakes.
Enhance overall safety in product and work system design.
Improve ease of use and operational comfort for users.
Boost system performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance.

Ergonomics applies scientific knowledge to optimize the design of objects, systems, and environments based on human interactions.

Focuses on work-related aspects such as posture, workspace layout, materials handling, and prevention of repetitive stress injuries.
Example: Designing workstations to minimize strain and enhance comfort during use.

Explores mental processes (perception, memory, reasoning) related to human interactions with systems.
Example: Designing software interfaces that are intuitive and enhance user memory recall.

Addresses the integration of communication, work design, and management strategies in workplace settings.
Example: Optimizing team dynamics through effective crew resource management and flexible work hours.

Static Data involves measurements taken while a subject is in a fixed position, such as height or arm length.
Easier to collect as subjects do not need to move.

Dynamic Data represents measurements obtained during physical activities, such as reaching or crawling.
More useful for understanding practical interactions despite potentially lower reliability compared to static data.

Common tools include Sliding Callipers, Cloth Tape, Sitting Height Meters, and Stadiometers.

Percentiles are used in anthropometric tables to compare individual measurements against average dimensions.
Essential for designing adaptable and adjustable products to cater to diverse markets and user needs.
Ability to interpret percentile tables is crucial for calculating product dimensions effectively.