Zeitschrift für Ergonomie
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Importance of Anthropometry for Designing User-Friendly Devices: Mobile Phones

Shruti Jain and Pathmanathan G

Hand-size variations and users’ satisfaction of mobiles were investigated using anthropometric techniques and structured questionnaire interviews on 160 adult males. A total of 20 hand measurements and mobile phone dimensions were recorded. Special emphasis was given on keypad design factors, which include: key size, shape, layout, texture, simplicity and space between keys. Factor analysis was performed on both the hands separately since significant difference was found in hand dimensions when T-test was applied. Amongst various factors hand length, hand breadth, palm length, index finger length, middle finger length, thumb length, and thumb circumference were found to affect the users’ grip of mobile handset. One of the recommended improvements is to have larger keys with more space between them for those with large hand-size. The results obtained can be used by mobile phone designers to design user-friendly mobile handsets; for example, mobile phones that suit users with larger hands and thumbs, especially males and the elderly.