Human Factors Data

The use of Human Factors data is based on statistical analysis.  For example the graphic illustration is of the general pattern or bell distribution created by collected data, plotted points is somewhat predictable approximating the frequency of occurrence versus the sample group or population or magnitude measurements. This is referenced as the 50th percentile or median measurements. The size or measurement ranges of the anthropometric data is distributed to define the whole range signifying the 95th percentile male – [average largest] versus the 5th percentile female [average smallest] versus the 50th percentile male or female [median average]. The 50th percentile is the largest percentage or top, middle mass of the distribution curve of the sampled population with the population numbers reducing as you get to the left (smaller) or right (larger) in size. For example the number of extremely small women in the 5th percentile female population is much lower than the average slightly larger size of the 25th percentile female population.

In general, the example distribution curve could represent any static or dynamic anthropometrical measurement. For example measuring stature or height of only the target market or a female population or both female and male, excluding children. It should be noted that historically the sampled data (Military data) collected is from mostly males, aged 18- 24 years old, usually with no disabilities, which is not necessary representative of the global human cultural and race diversity. There has been recent studies (data assembled) to update this data based on a broader sampling of the population.

Read more  HF Fundamentals
Read more  Universal Design
Read more  Application of Human factors & Percentiles
Read more  User Interface