California IDEX Practice Exam

An interior designer would most likely use anthropometric information to...

1. Design countertops for a public restroom

2. Determine the percentage of children who would be comfortable on custom-designed benches in a puppet theater

3. Develop the best position for multiple VDT screens in a stock trader's workstation

4. Evaluate a new chair design that has just come on the market

The correct answer is: Determine the percentage of children who would be comfortable on custom-designed benches in a puppet theater

The use of anthropometric information primarily involves understanding human dimensions and how these can affect design, especially for comfort and usability. In the context of customizing benches in a puppet theater, applying anthropometric data is essential for determining the appropriate measurements and design elements that would allow children to comfortably engage with the space. Designers would take into account the average size, posture, and developmental range of children to ensure that the benches meet their needs effectively. The other options, while they may involve design considerations, do not focus directly on the measurement and suitability of the design for a specific human demographic. For example, designing countertops for a public restroom might hinge more on space efficiency and accessibility rather than detailed anthropometric data. Similarly, positioning VDT screens in a stock trader’s workstation would involve ergonomic considerations but not necessarily the anthropometric data specific to different user groups. Evaluating a new chair design may also involve several other factors beyond just anthropometric information, such as market trends, aesthetics, and materials used.