Are library furniture dimensions appropriate for anthropometric measurements of university students?

ABSTRACT

This study identifies the mismatch percentages between library furniture dimensions and students’ anthropometry. Eleven furniture design parameters were evaluated and compared against the anthropometric measurements of 450 participants. Different inequality equations were used to determine the match/mismatch percentages and the compatible percentile values of anthropometry. Independent t-tests were performed among males’ and females’ anthropometry and they found significant differences in 3 among 11 anthropometries at p < 0.001 and p < 0.005. Besides, Chi-square tests were performed, resulting in rejecting some relationships between anthropometry and furniture dimensions at α = 0.05. Substantial levels of mismatches were identified in the SH, SW, SD and STC dimensions. As, SH was incompatible for 60% males and 100% females. Hence, the existing furniture, unsuitable for students, could be responsible for uncomfortable posture, tiring sitting positions and musculoskeletal disorders. The study recommended the proposed dimensions considering students’ anthropometry. It might be helpful for importer/producer to prepare specification for the said furniture.

KEYWORDS:

• Anthropometric measurement
• furniture dimension
• library furniture
• mismatch
• musculoskeletal disorders

Acknowledgments

The authors extend their deep gratitude to all students who participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors have no funding to report.

Notes on contributors

M. S. Parvez

M. S. Parvez received MSc degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology. His research interests include Human Factors Engineering, Product Design and Development, Customer-led Design, Supply Chain Management, and Operations Management. He is an assistant professor of Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh. Email: [email protected]

N. Tasnim

N. Tasnim studying BSc in Building Engineering and Construction Management at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology. Her research interests include Conceptual Design, Optimization, Aesthetic and Interior Design. Email: [email protected]

S. Talapatra

S. Talapatra obtained his PhD degree in Industrial Engineering and Management in the department of Industrial Engineering and Management of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology. His research interests include Human Factor Engineering, Design Engineering, Productivity Improvement and Total Quality Management. He is an associate professor of Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh. Email: [email protected]

T. Kamal

T. Kamal received BSc degree in Industrial & Production Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology. Her research interests include Optimization, Modeling, Inventory Management, Human Computer Interface and Linear Programming. Currently, she is a lecturer and MSc degree candidate in Industrial Engineering and Management in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh. Email: [email protected]

M. Murshed

M. Murshed completed BSc in Industrial and Production Engineering from the department of Industrial Engineering and Management at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology. His research interests include Ergonomics, Conceptual Design, Optimization, Supply Chain Management and Operations Management. Email: [email protected]