ABSTRACT
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 39 Designing for Children of Different Ages .......................................................................... 41 Key Sources of Data .......................................................................................................... 44 International Differences in Child Anthropometry ............................................................. 47 Design Implications ........................................................................................................... 48 Use Anthropometric Data with Caution ............................................................................. 51 Reasons for Human Variability .......................................................................................... 52 Secular Trend .................................................................................................................... 55 Summary ........................................................................................................................... 56 References and Internet Sources ...................................................................................... 57 Key Internet Resources ..................................................................................................... 59 Appendix 3A. Anthropometric Data .................................................................................. 60
INTRODUCTION
Anthropometry is the scientific measurement of sizes and shapes of the human body. Product designers use anthropometric data to ensure that
products are easy to use (for example, that toys are small enough for children to grasp), controls are easy to reach (e.g., children can reach and operate the brake on a bicycle), hands or fingers will not reach around or through guards (such as fire guards or into a moving fan), adequate movement and reach zones (as in the design of playpens and cots) are available, and
gaps and openings (such as railings or banisters) do not trap fingers, hands, and heads ( Figure 3.1 ). *
In collecting static anthropometric data, researchers measure children’s (or adult’s) body dimensions in standardized postures, using equipment such as anthropometers and tape measures. Recently, several large-scale surveys have used three-dimensional scanning techniques,† which offer many advantages over more traditional methods.
