ABSTRACT
Humans are highly variable on many functional measures that are related to artifact design. Th e wide ranges of adult standing height, hip breadth, and other body dimensions (called “anthropometry”) are readily observed and oft en considered quantitatively in design. However, variability in human perception, behavior, and performance can be equally or more important than anthropometric variability-but these factors are less commonly considered in a quantitative manner. Human adaptability diminishes, but does not eliminate, the impact of inter-individual variability on artifact performance. Th e ubiquity of “one-size-fi ts-all” is a testament to this adaptability, but is not a prescription for good design, particularly in cases where performance is important and people interact with the artifact through multiple interfaces.
