Anthropometry, Biomechanics, and Motor Skills in User Design

Overview

Class Central Tips

Course 5 examines the role of anthropometrics, biomechanics and motor skills in human performance as well as key factors that influence how humans produce and sense motion, and how these can be applied to training and testing performance.

Syllabus

Course Introduction

This course explores anthropometry, biomechanics, and motor skills. You will learn about measuring human body dimensions and characteristics, known as anthropometrics, and how these measurements are used in design. The course covers factors influencing motion production and perception, including open- and closed-loop control and stimulus-response compatibility. You will also explore the applications of motion-tracking technologies in training and testing human performance.

Module 1: Anthropometry & Ergonomics

Module 1 explores anthropometry and ergonomics, covering the measurement of human body dimensions and the importance of anthropometric data in fields like product design and workspace layout. The module also focuses on ergonomics, the science of designing products and environments to fit human capabilities and enhance safety and efficiency. You will learn about the principles and goals of ergonomics, as well as ergonomic design considerations for creating user-centered products and workspaces.

Module 2: Ergonomics Research 1 - Office Design and Exercise

In Module 2, we dive into the realm of ergonomics research, exploring various applications in different settings. We begin with Lesson 1, focusing on office design and exercise, aiming to create the perfect ergonomic workspace. Moving on to Lesson 2, we shift our attention to factories and industrial settings. In Lesson 3, we turn our focus to the healthcare sector.

Module 3: Intro to Biomechanics

In this module, we explore the field of biomechanics, which focuses on studying the mechanics and movement of the human body. We will cover various aspects of biomechanics, including its definition, applications in different domains, and methods for analyzing human movement. By the end of this module, you will have a solid understanding of biomechanics principles and how they are used to study and analyze human motion.

Module 4: Biomechanics Applications

Module 4 focuses on the practical applications of biomechanics in various fields. It explores how biomechanics can be utilized to optimize performance, prevent injuries, and enhance movement in sports, rehabilitation, ergonomics, and other contexts.