Overview
ISO 15535:2023 - General requirements for establishing anthropometric databases - defines the general requirements for creating, documenting and reporting anthropometric databases based on measurements taken in accordance with ISO 7250-1. The standard ensures data and reports contain consistent population descriptors, sampling methods, measurement definitions and statistics so that databases from different countries and studies are internationally comparable. It also recognizes integration of traditional anthropometry with 3‑D imaging (e.g., ISO 20685‑1 verification).
Key technical topics and requirements
- Measurement methods and documentation: Use ISO 7250‑1 definitions and landmarks; report any deviations and indicate left/right side when applicable. Photographs/ sketches and detailed procedures are recommended.
- Population and sampling: Describe the user population and population segments; recommend random or stratified random sampling and document the sampling method used.
- Demographic and background data: Record basic demographics (gender, date of birth, measurement date, location) and other background variables relevant to the study.
- Instrument accuracy: Linear and circumferential instruments to nearest 1 mm; body mass measures to nearest 500 g.
- Measurement conditions and clothing: Participants should be nude or in minimal clothing; type of clothing must be coded if relevant and measurement conditions documented.
- Data quality control: Procedures for detecting and treating measurement errors (see Annex F) and requirements for measurer training and quality control.
- Database format and contents: Specify required and recommended background fields, anthropometric data items, complementary data, and an anthropometric data sheet (Annex B/C). Annex G provides a sample database format.
- Statistical processing and sample size: Guidance for sample-size estimation (Annex A), statistical processing, age stratification (Annex E) and data-preparation procedures (Annex F).
- Normative references: References include ISO 7250‑1, ISO 3166‑1 (country codes), ISO 8601‑1 (date/time), and character set standards.
Practical applications
ISO 15535:2023 is used to produce interoperable anthropometric databases that support:
- Ergonomic product and workspace design (furniture, vehicle interiors)
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) sizing and safety standards
- Machinery safety and standard development (human factors)
- Development of digital human models and computer-generated manikins
- Public health, biometric research and population studies
- Integration of traditional measurements with 3‑D body scan datasets
Who should use this standard
- Ergonomists, anthropometrists and human factors engineers
- Product and industrial designers, PPE manufacturers
- Standards bodies and regulatory agencies
- Researchers and data managers building population anthropometric databases
- Developers of digital human models and 3‑D scanning workflows
Related standards (for context)
Keywords: ISO 15535, anthropometric databases, anthropometry standard, ISO 7250‑1, sampling methods, database format, ergonomics, 3‑D imaging, PPE sizing.
