Anthropometry, Biomechanics and Human Posture
Comfort in design is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. In our daily lives, we interact constantly with furniture—whether at home, in the workplace, or in public spaces. As the boundaries between work, home, and leisure blur, furniture must adapt to support a wide range of human activities and physical needs. Yet, the true success of furniture design lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but in its ability to support the human body comfortably and efficiently. This course, “Designing for Comfort: Ergonomic Principles for Furniture,” explores the vital intersection of design, human anatomy, and user well-being. This course explores how scientific understanding of the human body, movement, and behavior can shape furniture that truly supports comfort and productivity. It delves into the principles of ergonomics and their application in furniture design to ensure health, safety, and well-being.
What you’ll learn
- By the end of this course, learners will be able to-Understand the key ergonomic principles relevant to furniture design..
- Apply anthropometric data to develop user-centered designs..
- Design furniture that minimizes physical strain and enhances usability.
- Identify the needs of diverse users, including children, elderly, and differently-abled individuals..
- Evaluate existing furniture from an ergonomic perspective.
- Integrate aesthetics with ergonomic functionality in design solutions..
Course Content
- WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE –> 1 lecture • 3min.
- UNDERSTANDING ERGONOMICS- HISTORY AND SCOPE –> 1 lecture • 23min.
- ANTHROPOMETRY- HUMAN MEASUREMENTS AND APPLICATIONS –> 1 lecture • 26min.
- BIOMECHANICS AND HUMAN POSTURE –> 1 lecture • 15min.
- COMFORT AND DISCOMFORT- PHYSICAL, COGNITIVE, AND EMOTIONAL ASPECTS –> 1 lecture • 12min.
- DESIGNING FOR SITTING AND STANDING POSTURES –> 1 lecture • 13min.
- WORKPLACE ERGONOMICS- DESKS, CHAIRS, AND WORKSTATIONS –> 1 lecture • 10min.
- ERGONOMICS IN HOME AND LEISURE FURNITURE –> 1 lecture • 10min.
- AGE AND ABILITY CONSIDERATIONS IN FURNITURE DESIGN –> 1 lecture • 10min.
- USER TESTING AND EVALUATION TECHNIQUES –> 1 lecture • 15min.
- CASE STUDIES AND CURRENT TRENDS IN ERGONOMIC FURNITURE –> 1 lecture • 9min.
- CONCLUSION AND LIST OF FURTHER READING MATERIALS –> 1 lecture • 4min.
Requirements
Comfort in design is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. In our daily lives, we interact constantly with furniture—whether at home, in the workplace, or in public spaces. As the boundaries between work, home, and leisure blur, furniture must adapt to support a wide range of human activities and physical needs. Yet, the true success of furniture design lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but in its ability to support the human body comfortably and efficiently. This course, “Designing for Comfort: Ergonomic Principles for Furniture,” explores the vital intersection of design, human anatomy, and user well-being. This course explores how scientific understanding of the human body, movement, and behavior can shape furniture that truly supports comfort and productivity. It delves into the principles of ergonomics and their application in furniture design to ensure health, safety, and well-being.
Through this course, learners will delve into the science of ergonomics—the study of designing products and environments to fit the people who use them. We will examine how thoughtful furniture design can reduce physical strain, prevent injury, and enhance the overall user experience. From chairs and workstations to beds and public seating, each furniture type demands unique ergonomic considerations.
Students will engage with a range of ergonomic evaluation tools and methodologies, including static and dynamic anthropometric data analysis, postural assessment techniques, pressure mapping, and usability testing. The curriculum addresses the ergonomic requirements of diverse user populations across various settings—residential, workplace, healthcare, educational, and public environments.
Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, furniture maker, or simply curious about human-centered design, this course will equip you with the knowledge to create spaces and products that prioritize comfort, posture, and performance. By combining theory with practical applications and case studies, participants will gain insights into anthropometrics, biomechanics, material selection, and user testing—all essential tools for creating furniture that not only looks good but feels right.