Why designing equipment only for the 'average' is a problem (for an 11-year-old)

Imagine one T-shirt size that is supposed to fit everyone. That would be silly, right? People come in many sizes and shapes. If company equipment is made only for the 'average' person, lots of problems can happen. Here are 5 easy-to-understand causes (problems), with examples and what can be done to fix them.

1. Discomfort and body pain

   Cause: Equipment that doesn't match a person’s body (like a desk that is too high) forces them into uncomfortable positions.

   Example: A chair too tall makes someone’s feet dangle. Over time their legs and back hurt.

   What can happen: People get sore, take sick days, or get long-term injuries.

2. More accidents and safety risks

   Cause: Controls or safety features placed for the "average" reach or handedness can be hard for others to use quickly.

   Example: An emergency stop button is too high for a shorter person or built for right-handed reach only.

   What can happen: Slower reaction in emergencies and more chance of accidents.

3. Lower productivity and more mistakes

   Cause: If a tool doesn't fit someone, they work slower or make more errors.

   Example: A heavy screwdriver made for large hands can slip in a small hand, causing mistakes when building things.

   What can happen: Work takes longer and quality drops.

4. Excluding people with disabilities

   Cause: Designing only for the average ignores people who use wheelchairs, have limited strength, or need special controls.

   Example: A workstation that needs someone to stand excludes wheelchair users.

   What can happen: Fewer people can do the job, and workplaces become less fair and less diverse.

5. Higher costs for the company

   Cause: Injuries, mistakes, and having to fix or replace equipment cost money.

   Example: If many workers get sore backs from bad chairs, the company pays for doctor visits, replacements, and lost work time.

   What can happen: The company spends more money than if they had bought adjustable or different-sized equipment from the start.

Simple fixes (what people can do)

• Use adjustable equipment (chairs, desks, tool handles) so many different people can use them comfortably.
• Offer different sizes and shapes of tools instead of only one size.
• Ask the workers who use the equipment for their ideas and test designs with many people.
• Include safety features that work for left- and right-handed people and people of different heights.
• Think about accessibility from the start so people with disabilities can also work safely and well.

In short: designing for everyone, not just the "average," keeps people safer, healthier, and happier — and saves money too.