ABSTRACT
This chapter examines methods and techniques for evaluating a system’s human engineering and ergonomics design. It considers anthropometric accommodation in work spaces: how well a system fits the intended user population. There is a noticeable trend in ergonomics from late testing toward concurrent ergonomics. The chapter presents methods for evaluating work space design against established ergonomic standards and criteria. It describes some of the basic principles of anthropometric testing. Anthropometry and the closely related field of biomechanics deal with the measurement of the physical features and functions of the human body. When testing for anthropometric fit, two kinds of body dimensions can be considered: structural dimensions and functional dimensions, also referred to as dynamic anthropometry. There are two approaches to anthropometry in the evaluation process: the ideal approach and the practical approach. Anthropometry data expressed as percentiles indicates where a person stands in relation to the rest of the population.
