Human FactorsHuman Factors

Chapter 5Chapter 5

Mr. HigginsMr. Higgins

ObjectivesObjectives

Describe the humans factors that Describe the humans factors that affect cabinet designaffect cabinet design

List standard dimensions for List standard dimensions for common cabinets and furniturecommon cabinets and furniture

Identify safety factors that affect Identify safety factors that affect cabinet designcabinet design

Intro Intro Cabinetry must fit the needs Cabinetry must fit the needs of the people who use it.of the people who use it. Human Factors Human Factors

Body Measurements and other distances should Body Measurements and other distances should be known. Then the product can be designed be known. Then the product can be designed worth the user in mind. worth the user in mind.

When designing cabinets you should When designing cabinets you should considerconsider How far people can reach sitting or standingHow far people can reach sitting or standing SafetySafety People’s limits on stooping People’s limits on stooping Space Problems confronting the elderly and Space Problems confronting the elderly and

disableddisabled Line of sight problemsLine of sight problems Physical body dimensions of the userPhysical body dimensions of the user

Standard DimensionStandard Dimension Standard DimensionsStandard Dimensions

Based on the average size child or adultBased on the average size child or adult Architectural StandardsArchitectural Standards

Specify height, width, and length in building Specify height, width, and length in building designdesign

HeightHeight 36” above the floor36” above the floor 25” Countertops extend from the wall25” Countertops extend from the wall 18” space from base cabinet and wall cabinet18” space from base cabinet and wall cabinet These are standard dimensions are These are standard dimensions are

inconvenient for individuals who are not inconvenient for individuals who are not average sizeaverage size

Standard DimensionsStandard Dimensions

Height and WidthHeight and Width The width and length of large appliances, The width and length of large appliances,

tables etc. every in sizetables etc. every in size Ranges and Refrigerators very from 24 – 48”Ranges and Refrigerators very from 24 – 48”

StandingStanding Many activities require the user to stand while Many activities require the user to stand while

using a cabinet. When standing people using a cabinet. When standing people perform three activitiesperform three activities

Reach out in all directionsReach out in all directions Bend at the waistBend at the waist Bending down using your knee and hip jointBending down using your knee and hip joint

CountersCounters CounterCounter

Top surface of a cabinetTop surface of a cabinet Average height of built in cabinet is 36” Average height of built in cabinet is 36”

with the opening 34 1/2” with the opening 34 1/2” Low countertopsLow countertops

Counters can be dropped to 32” to aide peopleCounters can be dropped to 32” to aide people High CountersHigh Counters

Built in bars are usually 42” this fits Built in bars are usually 42” this fits the person behind the barthe person behind the bar

Restroom CountersRestroom Counters Are normally 32”Are normally 32”

Sitting Sitting

Seat heights are measured from floor to top Seat heights are measured from floor to top of compressed seat cushion.of compressed seat cushion.

Chairs - Should be designed for comfort and Chairs - Should be designed for comfort and convenesconvenes Two styles of chairs are straight and loungeTwo styles of chairs are straight and lounge

Straight chairs are used for working or diningStraight chairs are used for working or dining Lounge Chairs are used for relaxingLounge Chairs are used for relaxing

Standard Chair dimensions FIG 5-6Standard Chair dimensions FIG 5-6 Seat height 17” average between 15-18Seat height 17” average between 15-18 Seat depth variedSeat depth varied Backrest angles greater then 30 degrees must have a Backrest angles greater then 30 degrees must have a

headrestheadrest Armrest –aid when rising from a chair, or relaxing when Armrest –aid when rising from a chair, or relaxing when

workingworking Seat to armrest is 8.5”Seat to armrest is 8.5” Spacing between rest is 19-22”Spacing between rest is 19-22”

Tables Tables Desk Desk

Room for the person to move, and not Room for the person to move, and not be pinched between the table and chairbe pinched between the table and chair

Compressed chair and table should be 11” Compressed chair and table should be 11” apartapart

Table heights – Fig 5-7Table heights – Fig 5-7 Table and Desk are the same height of 29-Table and Desk are the same height of 29-

30”30” Card Tables and Sewing Cabinets are 28”Card Tables and Sewing Cabinets are 28” Surfaces for computers are 26”Surfaces for computers are 26” End Tables and Night Stands are 18-24” End Tables and Night Stands are 18-24” Coffee Tables are 11-18” highCoffee Tables are 11-18” high

Wheel ChairsWheel Chairs

Present a special concern for Present a special concern for designersdesigners Go over chart fig 5-9Go over chart fig 5-9

Line of SightLine of Sight

Area that a person can seeArea that a person can see Straight line between the person and Straight line between the person and

the objectthe object Standing and sittingStanding and sitting

10 degrees down10 degrees down 15 degrees left or right15 degrees left or right

Human Factors and Human Factors and SafetySafety

Most accidents or injuries occur at Most accidents or injuries occur at homehome

Striking the corner of the cabinetStriking the corner of the cabinet Furniture for adult may be unsafe for Furniture for adult may be unsafe for

children and vise versachildren and vise versa Falling ObjectsFalling Objects

Cuts bruises, or more series injuriesCuts bruises, or more series injuries Children's ReachChildren's Reach

Pull something hazards on themPull something hazards on them Lockable cabinets, keep out of reachLockable cabinets, keep out of reach

SummerySummery

Comfort connivance and safety are Comfort connivance and safety are often over looked.often over looked.

Read SectionRead Section