Reliability and ethical issues in conducting anthropometric research using 3D scanner technology

The importance of anthropometric research is undeniable. The progressive development of research activities related to anthropometry is supported by three-dimensional (3D) body scanning technology advancement. This technology prompted the collection of extensive anthropometric data of particular benefit to apparel manufacturing. With the “misfit” issues solved, anthropometric research will impact the apparel industry to boom. Customer satisfaction increased and, simultaneously, the retailers with the ability to reduce wrong product return restored, it eventually will increase market share and company profitability. However, the lack of standard protocol in conducting an anthropometric survey using 3D body scanning may jeopardize the data’s reliability and validity. Another concern of the anthropometric survey using 3D body scanning surrounds the ethical issues since it involves human participation and the social and cultural aspects of the rights of the human body. The reliability and ethical issues in conducting anthropometric research using 3D scanning technology are discussed. This paper also proposes the mitigation steps to be taken by researchers to get reliable and accurate data and, at the same time, observe the ethical aspect of the anthropometric survey.