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GCSE DT RevisionErgonomics and Anthropometrics
Key facts
Ergonomics
- Ergonomics — designing products that fit and work with the human body, maximising comfort, efficiency and safety.
- Considers: physical size, force required, cognitive load, visibility, repetitive strain, posture.
- Examples: keyboard layout (RSI reduction), adjustable car seat, tool handle shaping, control panel layout, door handle height.
- Poor ergonomics: fatigue, injury, user error, inefficiency, abandonment of the product.
Anthropometrics and percentiles
- Anthropometrics — the study and measurement of the human body. Used to size products for real users.
- Percentile: 50th = median/average. 5th = 5% of population is smaller than this measurement.
- Design for 5th–95th percentile range = product fits 90% of the population.
- Design for 5th percentile for minimum reach — if the smallest can reach it, everyone can (e.g. emergency stop button).
- Design for 95th percentile for maximum clearance — if the largest fits, everyone fits (e.g. doorway height, helmet size).
- Inclusive design — for the widest possible range of users: elderly, disabled, children, pregnant.
Exam questions — 4 questions · 10 marks · real AQA 8552 past papers
Extended questions included — read the hint. AI marks against the AQA 8552 mark scheme.
1 mark5th percentile for reachAQA 8552 style
A car manufacturer designs the emergency brake position using 5th percentile hand reach data. Why?
A To ensure only the smallest 5% of people can reach it
B So that even the smallest-reaching users (5th percentile) can access it — if they can reach it, 95% of users certainly can
C To reduce manufacturing costs by making the console smaller
D Because small people are the most frequent users of the emergency brake
1 markInclusive design definitionAQA 8552 style
Which best describes inclusive design?
A Designing the cheapest possible product so everyone can afford it
B Designing for the widest possible range of users including those with disabilities, the elderly and children, removing barriers to use
C Designing specifically and only for users with disabilities
D Using only natural materials to protect the environment
4 marksErgonomics for a kitchen knife handleAQA 8552 style
Explain how anthropometric data and ergonomic principles should inform the handle design of a kitchen knife. (4 marks)
Hint: Cover: what data to use, percentile range to target, specific ergonomic features and why they reduce injury/fatigue, testing.
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