Product design: create an ergonomic shopping bag

Designing an ergonomic shopping bag carrier for older adults

In this activity students will design an ergonomic product aimed at older adults aged 60 and above. They will make use of anthropometric data to ensure that the product is fit for purpose.

It’s an ideal product design lesson as it focusses on how ergonomics and anthropometric data can be used for making a shopping bag.

This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in design and technology (DT).

Our teaching resources explain the concepts of ergonomics and anthropometrics. Using this information students will design a product that assists with carrying several shopping bags in just one hand, ensuring it’s ergonomically designed for the carrier’s comfort. They’ll use anthropometric data to tailor the product to the target audience while considering its aesthetic appeal.

After sketching and annotating their shopping bag designs, students share their work with a partner who will give feedback on what works well as well as what might be improved.

Download our activity overview and presentation and ergonomic product design handout for a detailed lesson plan for teaching students about ergonomic design.

What does anthropometric mean in design and technology (DT)?
In design and technology (DT), anthropometric data refers to measurements of the human body. This might include measurements like hand size, height, and limb proportions. When students design products, they can use anthropometric data to ensure their product designs are comfortable, safe, and efficient for the intended users.

The engineering context
Designers must consider how people will interact with their products and systems. The use of ergonomics and anthropometric data allows them to make sure their products are comfortable and efficient to use.

Suggested learning outcomes
Students will be able to design an ergonomic product (specifically, a shopping bag) that meets the needs of older adults. They’ll understand what is meant by anthropometric data and be able to use it for aid the design of a product. They’ll also be able to communicate their design ideas using sketches, notes and annotations.

Download our activity sheet and related teaching resources
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

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