Media Release

World body experts in Adelaide

Adelaide mannequin manufacturer Daisy Veitch [1] will convene a gathering of the world's leading experts in body shape at the University of Adelaide next week.

For the first time, 12 professionals will pool their international data on the human body and its relationship to clothing, furniture, technology and the built environment when they meet at the University from 5-9 February.

The experts are from the World Engineering Anthropometry Resource [2] (WEAR) group, a not-for-profit organisation headquartered in France which collects anthropometric (body measurement) data for a wide variety of design and engineering applications. Ms Veitch is the only Australian member. The others are from the US, Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, South Africa, Taiwan and The Netherlands.

A public workshop is being held at Glenelg on Tuesday 6 February for people interested in the application of anthropometry in design. It is targeted at fashion technicians, ergonomists, industrial designers, engineers and architects who are looking to expand their markets.

Presentations and workshops will cover a wide range of areas, including the use of 3-D data to determine accurate body shapes, sizing systems for different countries and a demonstration of life-like clothing mannequins.

WEAR collects data from anthropometric experts in 10 countries across six continents, accessing 145 existing data bases. The information is used to advise organisations on better fitting clothing, protective equipment and military body armour, as well as more comfortable office chairs and car seats. Clients include universities, hospitals, the defence forces, clothing and furniture companies and car manufacturers.

Thousands of 3-D human body scans are collected from different countries, taking into account varying weights, shapes, sizes and ages.

Ms Veitch says international companies and organisations such as Gap Inc. [3], one of the world's largest specialty retailers, the Ford Motor Company [4] and United States Air Force [5] are using the data to help create better fitting products.

Visiting Research Fellow within the Gender, Work and Social Inquiry Discipline [6] at the University's School of Social Sciences, Dr Verna Blewett [7], says the workshop is a unique opportunity to hear and talk to the world's leaders in anthropometry and its design applications.

"Anyone who designs things or spaces for people is encouraged to attend because it is very unlikely they'll get another opportunity in Adelaide to meet the best in this field."

Workshop numbers are limited. For more details about the program, or to register for the workshop, visit the conference website www.sapro.com.au/wear/home.htm [8]

Media are welcome to attend the workshop.

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A 3-D image that helps fashion technicians design the best fit for today's average body shape.
Full Image (175.33K) [12]