Table of Contents
Introduction from Allsteel ........................................................................1
Product Design Ergonomics 101 .............................................................3
Anthropometric Measurements ...............................................................5
Introduction...........................................................................................5
Percentile Humans ................................................................................6
Anthropometric Databases ...................................................................7
Anthropometric Resources ....................................................................9
Common Workplace Postures ...............................................................11
Standing ..............................................................................................12
Sitting ..................................................................................................12
Reaching .............................................................................................15
Moving ................................................................................................15
Common Workplace Motions ................................................................17
Good and Bad Zones ..........................................................................17
Repetitive Motions ..............................................................................19
Offi ce Furniture Guidelines for Fit and Function ...................................21
Anticipate Actions ...............................................................................22
Chairs ..................................................................................................23
Desk and Worksurfaces .......................................................................26
Storage and Files ................................................................................29
Accessories .........................................................................................29
Resources for Designing Ergonomic Products ....................................32
Universal Design Considerations ...........................................................33
Wheelchairs .........................................................................................34
Crutches, Canes, and Walkers ............................................................36
Knobs, Handles, and Controls ............................................................37
Access Ramps and Stairs.....................................................................39
Resources on Universal Design ...........................................................41
Conclusion ..............................................................................................43
Glossary ..................................................................................................45
Appendix ................................................................................................47
References ..............................................................................................53
Index .......................................................................................................55
About the Authors .................................................................................57
www.allsteeloffi ce.com/ergo
i
Introduction from Allsteel
Here at Allsteel, we believe the interaction between the user and the
product is one of the primary concerns of the product design process.
Our goal is to continue to develop products that respond to not only the
issues that confront offi ce workers every day, but the size and shape of
the person working, the work that is being done, the positions that are
most common, and with attention to universal design concerns.
While there are many different methods of ergonomic research and
theory used to develop products that solve common workplace prob-
lems, we hope this reference helps to clarify some of the concepts and
methodologies used in our process. It is our goal to provide a better un-
derstanding of how the science of Ergonomics is used to make products
that help employees work more comfortably, effi ciently, and effectively.
For more information on offi ce-related ergonomics, contact the
Ergonomics Group at Allsteel (ergonomics@allsteeloffi ce.com), or
www.allsteeloffi ce.com/ergo.
Ergonomics and Design
A Reference Guide
1
www.allsteeloffi ce.com/ergo
