Ergonomics, Anthropometrics and Proxemics

Ergonomics derives from the Greek words ergon, meaning work, and nomos, meaning law. It is the study of people within their working environments. It serves to improve design in response to human behaviour providing solutions for issues that arise from the studies and is said ‘to optimise human well being and overall system performance (Dul and Weerdmeester, 2008, p.1). 

Anthropometrics can be described as a ‘science dealing specifically with the measurements of the human body’ (Panerao and Zelnik, 1997, p.1) and is implemented within design by creating using ‘average’ human measurements. Its purpose, similar to ergonomics, is to humanise design and work as a solution. However, with any problem solved, another is created. Working with human averages poses the challenge that not everybody is the same; therefore making a ‘one size fits all’ design is not actually inclusive, despite being presented as such. Attempting to please the majority is, in theory, a good concept; however there is not a singular solution as there is ‘no such thing as an ‘average’ man or woman’ (Panerao and Zelnik, 1997, p.34). 

Proxemics is attributed to cultural anthropologists and is, in summary, a human buffer zone or personal space. The hidden dimensions that surround every person suggests that boundaries do not begin and end with the skin. Bodily stress reactions are scientifically proven to heighten from invasions of personal space and that is why careful consideration is taken to design spaces that prioritise human wellbeing and thoughtfully work around personal space.

I personally believe these are all aspects extremely important within design and working in response to human behavioural needs. Working around the human body is often overlooked as in contemporary design as it has become much more common place and is now somewhat expected. The impact of working to fit the needs of everybody does not only require working with the general average but instead working to everybody, creating individual design elements that cater to everybody. Not every one thing needs to suit everyone as a whole but it should be much more common that, especially public, spaces should house multiple different elements, each suitable for a different demographic. Within my own work, I will take into consideration the needs of the entirety of each demographic rather than working with an average to minimise any exclusion. 

References:

UNC, (2024), ‘Ergonomis’, Environment, Health and Safety, https://ehs.unc.edu/topics/ergonomics/ 

Dul and Weerdmeester, (2008), 'Ergonomics For Beginners', p.1, Routledge

Panerao and Zelnik, (1997), 'Human Dimension and Interior Space' , ‎Whitney Library of Design