Collection of anthropometry from older and physically impaired persons: traditional methods versus TC2 3-D body scanner

With advances in technology it is now possible to collect a wide range of anthropometric data, to a high degree of accuracy, using 3D light-based body scanners. This gives the potential to speed up the collection of anthropometric data for design purposes, to decrease processing time and data input required, and to reduce error due to inaccuracy of measurements taken using more traditional methods and equipment (anthropometer, stadiometer and sitting height table). However, when the data collection concerns older and/or physically impaired people there are serious issues for consideration when deciding on the best method to collect anthropometry. This paper discusses the issues arising when collecting data using both traditional methods of data collection and a first use by the experimental team of the TC2 3D body scanner, when faced with a ‘non-standard’ sample, during an EPSRC funded research project into issues surrounding transport usage by older and physically impaired people. Relevance to industry: Designing products, environments and services so that the increasing ageing population, as well as the physically impaired, can use them increases the potential market. To do this, up-to-date and relevant anthropometry is often needed. 3D light-based bodyscanners offer a potential fast way of obtaining this data, and this paper discusses some of the issues with using one scanner with older and disabled people

Driver discomfort Prevalence, prediction and prevention

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DXN008690 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

The provision of digital information in the seat comfort of the seat design

A great number of factors affect the uncomfortable of seats. Apart from external appearance, the most important is the comfort for users in designing an un-adjustable seat. A system or suggested principles which assist designers in designing the comfort of the seats to testees will benefit waist of users, and hence prevent them from potential discomfort and injuries. This study attempts to develop digital design platforms, and allows designers to measure the design scale of the comfort. We expect to find the association between seat parameter interaction and comfort. For example, when the seat height is much lower than the knee of testees, they can stretch calf forward if the space allows, so that their thighs contact the surface of the seat to share sciatic pressure in greater comfort. We believe to have changes of comfort in opposition to different seat parameter combinations. The final results will help effective reference parameters of comfort in seat design

Psychiatry in Scotland

Human modelling tools provide a means to perform virtual task evaluations upon designs within the computer environment. The ability to evaluate the accommodation of a design early on in the design process before physical prototypes can be built has many advantages. These advantages are particularly relevant in supporting people in attempting to design products that are inclusive and accessible. HADRIAN is a new tool developed to provide accessible, and applicable data on people with a broad range of size, age, and ability together with a means of optimising virtual task evaluations. This paper describes the use of HADRIAN in performing a task evaluation, focusing on the underlying methodology that aims to achieve a virtual simulation that mimics a real world user trial

Building healthy construction workers: Their views on health, wellbeing and better workplace design

AbstractConstruction is a heavy manual industry where working into later life can be a challenge. An interview study was conducted to explore workers' understanding of their health at work and ways of making their jobs easier, safer or more comfortable. Using purposive sampling, 80 trades’ workers were selected from construction sites in the UK. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Work Ability Index were used to explore aches and pains and reducing strain on the body. A high prevalence of symptoms was reported and ratings of work ability were high. Workers were aware of the physical demands of their work and had over 250 ideas around health and wellbeing e.g. rucksacks for tools, bespoke benches, adapting PPE, and higher cost solutions e.g. mechanical lifting aids. Engagement of the workforce should be encouraged and feed into change processes in the industry to enable all workers stay fit for work for longer