Objective
- Make anthropometry tangible: see how measurements vary even in a small group.
- Apply the “5th–95th percentile” design rule to a real dataset.
- Visualize how chairs/tables must be adjusted for comfort across body sizes.
Step 1: Measure (10 min)
Each student pairs up with another and takes 3 body measurements with a tape measure or phone ruler app:
- Popliteal height (floor to back of knee, sitting) → for seat height.
- Buttock–popliteal length (back of buttock to back of knee, sitting) → for seat depth.
- Elbow height (sitting) (seat to underside of elbow, arm bent at 90°) → for table height.
Record values in a shared Google sheet.
Step 2: Build the “Class Anthropometry Dataset” (10 min)
- Plot all measurements in a quick table.
- Calculate min, max, median.
- Identify approx. 5th percentile and 95th percentile (with only 7 students, use the lowest and highest as proxies).
Step 3: Design Specs (20 min)
As a class, answer:
- What seat height would fit most people? (Usually between 5th–95th popliteal height).
- What seat depth would avoid cutting off circulation behind knees? (shouldn’t exceed shortest buttock–popliteal).
- What table height matches median elbow height?
Write down one chair + one table spec that fits your class population.
E.g., “Seat height 44cm, depth 42cm, table height 70cm.”
Step 4: Sketch (10 min)
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Individually: each student draws a few chairs on paper that match the chosen class dimensions. It can be a standard classroom chair, ergonomic adjustable chair, a stool, a bench, anything.
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Share sketches around. Notice variety in solutions. Discuss:
Step 5: Reflection (10 min)
Group discussion:
- What compromises did you have to make?
- Who would this chair be a good chair for?
- Did designing for the “average” leave anyone uncomfortable?
- What does this teach us about universal design vs. personalization?
Submission format
- Submit 3 drawings of chairs in the Google Drive. Try and get the submitted photos as clean as possible.