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EnglandDesign and Technology

Ergonomics and product analysis (Components 01 and 02)

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is anthropometric data, and how do designers use percentiles to size products for their users?

Anthropometric data and percentiles: static and dynamic measurements, the 5th, 50th and 95th percentiles, and choosing the right percentile (and percentile range) to size a product for clearance, reach or adjustability.
A focused answer to OCR A-Level Product Design on anthropometric data and percentiles: static and dynamic measurements, the 5th, 50th and 95th percentiles, and how to choose the right percentile or percentile range to size a product for clearance, reach or adjustability.
11 min answer →

What is ergonomics, and how do physical and cognitive factors make a product comfortable, safe and easy to use?

Ergonomics and the human factors of design: physical ergonomics (posture, reach, grip, force, comfort) and cognitive ergonomics (clarity, feedback, affordance, error prevention), and how they are applied to interfaces, handles and controls.
A focused answer to OCR A-Level Product Design on ergonomics and human factors: physical ergonomics (posture, reach, grip, force and comfort) and cognitive ergonomics (clarity, feedback, affordance and error prevention), and how they are applied to interfaces, handles and controls.
11 min answer →

What are inclusive and user-centred design, and how do they widen the range of people a product can serve?

Inclusive design and user-centred design: designing for the widest range of users regardless of age, ability or size, the use of adjustability and percentile ranges, and involving users throughout the design process through research and testing.
A focused answer to OCR A-Level Product Design on inclusive and user-centred design: designing for the widest range of users regardless of age, ability or size, using adjustability and percentile ranges, and involving users throughout the process through research and usability testing.
11 min answer →

How do designers analyse and disassemble existing products to learn from them?

Product analysis and product disassembly: evaluating an existing product against function, materials, manufacture, ergonomics, aesthetics, sustainability, cost and market, and taking products apart (reverse engineering) to understand construction and inform new designs.
A focused answer to OCR A-Level Product Design on product analysis and disassembly: evaluating an existing product against function, materials, manufacture, ergonomics, aesthetics, sustainability, cost and market, and taking products apart (reverse engineering) to understand construction and inform new designs.
11 min answer →