3D body scan measurements colorfully illustrate the variability in this population.
Our Design Tools make it easy to work with body dimensions of given populations.
The Iron Lion Design Challenge is a lab-sponsored, annual multidisciplinary design competition.
Take proportionality constants with you wherever you go! Download myAnthro from the iTunes store.
We conduct research in the application of rigorous design methodologies to the design of artifacts and environments for people.
AnthroTools 1.1 is now available. This latest update includes interface and performance enhancements. AnthroTools is a mobile web app that contains a suite of tools for Design for Human Variability, including a multivariate accommodation calculator, proportionality calculator, and NHANES database explorer. It will run on desktop browsers (Firefox, Chrome, or Safari) or on a web browser in iOS or Android.
Open Design Lab podcasts are now available on iTunes. In addition to mirroring audio-only versions of our YouTube videos, we plan to feature shorter commentaries on our research with a more frequent update schedule. Tune in to hear Open Lab authors give insight and background for their papers, learn about new topics in the field, and hear about our research in a less technical way. Subscribe to our channel to receive regular updates!
"Who Owns Design" lecture series continues with Carnegie Mellon professor
Jonathan Cagan, George Tallman and Florence Barrett Ladd Engineering Professor in Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Mechanical Engineering, will speak at 12 p.m. October 5 at Penn State's Stuckeman Family Building. His visit marks the second talk in the Penn State Department of Architecture "Who Owns Design?" Lecture Series.

Featured Recent Publication

Nadadur, G. and Parkinson, M. B. (2012). A utility theory-based approach to reducing raw material usage in non-adjustable artifacts, tasks, and environments. Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation. 41(1): 6031-6038.

In order to accommodate the desired percentage of the target users of a product, decisions must be made to ensure that the design satisfies performance requirements such as user safety, comfort, and ease of use. The marketing concept of “utility theory” is one approach to quantifying the effects of design decisions. It is leveraged in this study to develop a design evaluation approach that considers: a) factors that may be either design-related (design specifications) or [ read more ]