Dear List Members,
We are currently undertaking a project which is assessing the
secular growth trends of UK children. Specifically, the goal of this
is to consider the validity of an anthropometric data set that is some
13 years old (with the stature and weight data been even older, about
27 years old) in relation to product design. Comparisons have been
made between this data set and the latest available data for the
population in question to assess changes in stature, weight and
several other dimensions over the time period mentioned.
What we would like from list members is an indication (opinion?) of
what level of change in dimensions sizes would mean that the data are
no longer valid for use in general design, so meaning a new data set
would need to be generated. We realise that there is no one or easy
answer to this question and that it depends very much on individual
dimensions and product specific details, but we are required to make a
decision for all eventualities. We have considered issues such as
changes in percentile levels that are actually represented in the
current population by the old data set (and consequently changes in
accommodation levels), error levels in applying anthropometric data
(eg posture allowance, clothing allowance) and so on, but would
welcome any other ideas or suggestions.
Thank you in anticipation.
Stuart Smith
Research Ergonomist
Product Safety and Testing Group
Institute for Occupational Ergonomics
Division of Manufacturing Engineering and Operations Management
University of Nottingham
Nottingham
NG7 2RD
England
Phone: +44 (0) 115 951 4038
Fax: +44 (0) 115 951 4000
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ioe/PSTG
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|