Investigation of a strategy for improving the Size Korea anthropometric database

Abstract

Background: It is important for the designers and manufacturers to produce products with good usability and fit. The Korean anthropometric database is important as Korean industries focus on developing products with better usability.

Objective: To investigate how well the present national Size Korea anthropometric database adopted by companies and industries in Korea, in particular how well the dynamic anthropometric data are adopted.

Methods: The investigation methodology consisted of three stages: literature review, expert review and in-depth interviews. The literature review was based on a PubMed search. An online survey of 1,000 Korean civilians was carried out using a questionnaire developed by experts in anthropometry. Finally, industry professionals and professors participated in in-depth interviews.

Results: The anthropometric data appear to be used mainly by universities and research institutions in Korea. Many industries including the automobile, medical, shipping, mattress and construction industries need dynamic anthropometric data, such as range of motion, angle between body parts, spinal curvature, centre of pressure and so on.

Conclusions: The Size Korea database-building process needs to be modified to take into account the needs of companies and industries.

Keywords: Dynamic anthropometry; Size Korea database; industrial application; range of motion.