ISO 15537:2022

Overview

ISO 15537:2022 defines principles and practical methods for selecting and using test persons (or virtual manikins) to evaluate anthropometric aspects of industrial products and designs. It covers how to compose representative samples of an intended user population for testing products that have direct contact with the human body or depend on body measurements - e.g., machinery, work equipment, PPE, consumer goods, vehicle interiors, architectural elements and working spaces. The standard supports both physical tests and CAD-based testing using virtual humans (computer manikins).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test types: distinguishes between quick screening tests (preliminary feasibility using percentiles) and more thorough detailed tests (mock-ups, prototypes, longer-duration trials).
• Selection criteria for test persons: account for geographic/ethnic origin, age groups, sex, occupation and clothing/equipment used during tasks.
• Sample sizing guidance:
  • Screening tests: select at least three persons per critical dimension (e.g., P95 for clearance, P5 for reach).
  • Detailed tests: select at least seven persons for each critical dimension to better represent variability.
• Critical dimensions and measurements: define the product’s critical dimensions (reach, clearance, posture, vision, contact pressure) and the corresponding critical anthropometric measurements that most influence usability or safety.
• Worst‑case combinations & safety margins: identify combinations of product dimensions and body measurements (e.g., short reach with large torso depth) and define absolute or percentile-based safety margins.
• Test procedure and documentation: measure critical dimensions, collect subjective feedback, observe performance, repeat tests for reliability (recommendation: repeat some tests three times), and fully document procedures and results.
• Virtual testing caution: when using CAD manikins, validate models before relying on results.

Practical applications

ISO 15537 is applied when verifying ergonomic fit, clearance, reachability and safety aspects tied to human dimensions. Typical uses:

• Validating PPE sizing and fit for target user populations
• Assessing machine access and workstation design for maintenance or operation
• Testing consumer product ergonomics (seating, controls, interfaces)
• Evaluating vehicle cabin dimensions and architectural openings
• Conducting CAD-based ergonomic simulations with virtual humans

Who should use this standard

• Product designers and R&D engineers
• Ergonomists and human factors specialists
• Safety and compliance teams evaluating anthropometric risk
• Standards writers and test laboratories performing usability or safety tests

Related standards

• ISO 14738 (machinery workstation design)
• ISO 15534 series (anthropometric measurement guidance)
• ISO 15536-1 / ISO 15536-2 (computer manikins)
• ISO 7250-3 (anthropometric data tables)

Keywords: ISO 15537, anthropometric testing, test persons, ergonomics, CAD manikins, critical dimensions, PPE testing, screening test, detailed test, user population.