Anthropometry is the science of human body dimensions. PeopleSize gives you data about Static Anthropometry, where measurements are of people in fixed postures.
The data are expressed as Percentiles, which is the percentage of people who are smaller in an individual dimension. PeopleSize distinguishes between these 'Dimension Percentiles' and 'Design Percentiles'. A Design Percentile is the percentage of people who are smaller in all of several dimensions. Discussion
Typically the measurements are taken in scientific surveys, and involve careful positioning of people before measurements are taken. This is to enable precise definition of what was measured.
It is important to check the Notes about each dimension, to make sure that you account for the particular postures and measurement points used in the surveys. Measurement landmarks are chosen for repeatability as much as for design relevance. Be alert for differences in how you will use the measurements, and remember that the data are of static measurements, whereas in real life people move dynamically. Shoulders, especially, are very mobile, and we move our heads, stand on tip-toe, or lean the trunk, according to what we want to do. All parts of the body go up and down as we walk. Always think about the in-use factors as you apply anthropometry data, and always conduct a fitting trial before you finally commit to design sizing.
Bear in mind that individual people are never in proportion. Do not assume that a tall person will necessarily have a large head, for example, or even long legs.
If PeopleSize does not have the exact dimension you need, you can use PeopleSize to identify testers of the desired size in a related dimension, then measure the testers. For example, a person with 5th percentile hand length, breadth and square-edge grips is likely to be close to 5th percentile for most hand-grip functions. Conduct a Fitting Trial to derive dynamic or complex dimensions.
We have worked hard to make the data in PeopleSize accurate and reliable, but it is logically impossible to prove a zero error rate, and consequently most large datasets, even the most respected, DO have errors. Your testing should check that the anthropometry data are appropriate. We do not think there are any errors in PeopleSize, but if you should find one, don't sit on it, do everyone a favour and tell us at openerg.com/contact.htm - we will give you a free upgrade to the corrected version.
PeopleSize aims to include as much reliable data as possible, listed in Help Data. If you know of data we have not listed, please tell us. If it is new to us and usable, we will give you PeopleSize incorporating the new data free.