The objective in applying anthropometric data will be to
improve the design of things and spaces for people to use so that they
are more comfortable,
efficient, easy to use and
safer than previous designs. In order to do
this it is necessary to have some idea of the dimensions that are really
important for the particular design under consideration, the problems
that have been encountered by others and the recommendations, design
rules or regulations that are available.
For example if
a seat height is to be decided and for economic or other reasons it is
not possible to provide any adjustability, e.g. Seats in
public places or in public transport, then the most important dimension
is popliteal height which is the vertical distance from the sole of the
foot to the crook of the knee.
This distance is important to the sitter
because if the seat is a little higher than his or her popliteal height
then the foot cannot be comfortably placed on the ground and there may
be discomfort due to the pressure on the underside of the thigh resting
on the seat. For this reason it is generally recommended that the
popliteal height of the smaller members of the population is used to
determine seat heights.
For example if
a seat height is to be decided and for economic or other reasons it is
not possible to provide any adjustability, e.g. Seats in
public places or in public transport, then the most important dimension
is popliteal height which is the vertical distance from the sole of the
foot to the crook of the knee. 