WEAR



World Engineering Anthropometry Resource
  
 

 
 

 
WEAR Body Size Shape online newsletter 2014
 
 
 

What's on with WEAR 
January 2014
World Engineering Anthropometry Resource
is an international collaborative effort with the goal to contribute actively to the diffusion and the 
advancement of knowledge of anthropometry, ergonomics and human factors engineering for health, safety and well-being for all people.
 
 
 
 
 
Staying up to date with WEAR and the latest news in Anthropometry

This is the first edition of the WEAR online newsletter and it is a wonderful way to stay up to date with the WEAR community. We will be featuring articles from WEAR members about their latest work in applied or engineering anthropometry, and we also welcome entries from readers about their work in anthropometry. The newsletter is not only a way to stay in touch with the latest news from the anthropometry world, it also offers readers a way to contribute and be recognised for their work which may be interesting to other members. Additionally, if you subscribe to our newsletter, you have access to our blog which allows subscribers to interact with one another, ask questions, and post interesting information, as well as read our blog. Please subscribe here to receive our updates and to become apart of our online community!

Our new website and how to get involved

WEAR has created a new website for our members which is more accessible and very easy to navigate so everyone can use it. You can join our website for free at bodysizeshape.com which allows you to follow our blog, comment on posts and stay up to date with news and events. Additionally, we have the option for members to subscribe to the databases online which gives you added access to all of our anthropometric databases for 300 euros per year. 

You can subscribe to WEAR databases at this link 

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3D Body Scanning Conference 
By: Amy Laslett

On the 19th and 20th of November 2013, WEAR members attended the Fourth Annual Conference on 3D Body Scanning Technologies in Long Beach, California. The conference was attended by 193 guests from a wide range of international backgrounds. An exhibition held parallel with the conference worked in tandem to highlight the importance of international interest in 3D body scanning. The advances which have been made in 3D scanning technology over the last twenty years were expressed and the interest in their ongoing development explored in depth. Some highlights of the conference included Kathleen Robinette’s opening keynote speech and Pirjo Elbrecht’s speech on 3D body scanning in conjunction with digital tailoring. These presentations accompanied by the presence of WEAR at the conference could not have been made possible without the support of CODATA. For more information about the CODATA Task Group on Anthropometric Data and Engineering see their website here

The keynote speech given by Dr Kathleen Robinette highlighted that new technology is valued for definitive reasons. New technology is adopted for key reasons which include that it looks impressive, that it enables us to do something better or cheaper, that it is easier to use and that it enables us to do something we couldn’t do before. However, there was a key lesson to be examined among these points. Dr Robinette identified that just because a technology is newer, it does not automatically make it better than the older technology.

Dr Robinette further explored anthropometric technology and its evolution during her presentation and then discussed where the goals and aims which are associated with 3D scanning are directing the science of anthropometry. It was explained that although 3D modelling is a highly effective enabler in determining shape, volume and contours, 1D instruments like the tape measure are still markedly superior over 3D imaging in terms of measurements like circumference. The speech sent the message that although 3D imaging is a crucial implement to use to enhance studies in the field of anthropometry, it is not yet enhanced enough to disregard the importance of getting information from multiple sources including 1D traditional measurement. The most effective way of gaining accurate models is achieved through the use of multiple data collection including fit data.  She said that made-to-measure, size prediction from scans, virtual try-on models, digitial human models and similar technologies continue to be developed and fail.  Each going out of business eventually.  Why?  Because they do not include fit measurements.  You need to measure fit if you want to predict it and the future of anthropometry needs to include fit measurements.  She gave many examples and illustrations about why fit knowledge is essential to success. Dr Robinette’s abstract can be found here for interested parties: 3D Body Scanning, Past and Future


Sizing up Australia - the next step

 

ASTM/WEAR International Joint Conference 

Sizing up Australia - the next step is a report which focuses on the evidence and method for developing and conducting the first Australian Body Sizing Survey.

The report is co-authored by WEAR members, Ms Daisy Veitch, Mr Chris Fitzgerald, Mr Steve Ward, Dr Chang Shu, Professor Kathleen Robinette, and Associate Professor Verna Blewett. 

When developed and conducted, the survey will measure the body size of Australian workers. These measurements will be accessible to anyone interested in designing for Australian workplaces or choosing workplace equipment from ladders to hospital beds from forklifts to seats in aircraft and cars. Similar surveys undertaken in other countries have helped improve work health and safety, increase productivity and reduce inefficiency. The 2009 Australian Safety and Compensation Council report “Sizing Up Australia: How contemporary is the anthropometric data Australian designers use?’ found that Australia needs a body sizing survey if it is to achieve similar outcomes. 

To follow the progress on international collaborations, please subscribe to the WEAR website and newsletter here

A Joint ASTM/WEAR Conference on Anthropometry and Fit will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday June 24-25, 2014. Sponsored by ASTM Committee D13.55 on Body Measurement for Apparel Sizing and WEAR (World Engineering Anthropometry Resource), the conference will be held at the Sheraton Toronto in Toronto, ON, Canada, in conjunction with the June standards development meetings of the Committee.

There is a critical need for improved apparel sizing and fit methods for health, safety and well-being. Millions of dollars are lost each year due to poor fit, and poor fit can be unsafe for not only protective wear but also for every day apparel items.

The conference will provide a forum for the exchange of research and standards development based on anthropometry pertinent to the apparel industry and other industries that need anthropometric information for developing products that fit the human shape.

Save this date - Ontario, Canada from June 24-25 2014. 

Click here for more information

Flipboard
 

We have also created a Flipboard for WEAR. This is an online tool which allows us to make a web based magazine. We can add interesting articles to it and create our own online collection. 

Here is the link to our Flipboard

If you have any interesting articles to add, please do not hesitate to email them to daisy@sharpdummies.com.au and we will add them. 

We would really love your input. 
Attendees at the WEAR sessions held in the 3D Body Scanning Conference in Long Beach California 2013.
Newsletter compiled by Dussy Kuttner 
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