Date: August 2024.
Source: Jin, S., Kim, J.H., Kong, YK., Park, J., Yun, M.H. (eds) Proceedings of the 22nd Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, Volume 3. IEA 2024. Springer Series in Design and Innovation, vol 41. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-9330-6_33.
Abstract: This study evaluates how Martin and Saller’s nasal index correlates to a more comprehensive exploration of nose shape variables using Principal component analysis (PCA) and nonparametric bivariate correlation analysis in the context of the design of head-mounted displays (HMDs).

A sample of 1736 individuals (468 Asian/Asian American, 378 Black, 741 White, 203 Other; 799 Female, 937 Male), aged 18 to 74, was analyzed. PCA identified five principal components (PCs) explaining approximately 83% of the variance in nasal shape. PC1 (27.941% variance) relates to the nasal width at the nose’s inferior portion. PC2 (19.332%) involves the height and angle from the center of the nose to its most inferior point. PC3 (15.064%) describing the width at the central region of the nose. PC4 (73.374%) describing the nasal length. PC5 (10.108%) describes the angular shape of the fleshy portion of the nose.

Correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive relationship between the nasal index and PC1 (Spearman’s ρ = 0.537); no statistically significant correlation with PC2; a weak negative correlation with PC3 (Spearman’s ρ = −0.178); a moderately negative correlation with PC4 (Spearman’s ρ = −0.429); and a weak to moderate negative correlation with PC5 (Spearman’s ρ = −0.312). The study concludes that while the nasal index categorizes noses into broad groups, it lacks the comprehensiveness required for HMD design. The authors recommend a more nuanced approach, incorporating multiple anthropometric variables, to effectively design HMDs and reduce slippage. Future work will focus on integrating these findings into physical models for evaluating HMD prototypes.

Article: Nose Shape Categorization and Its Impact on Design in Head Mounted Displays.
Authors: TM Schnieders, K Bredenkamp, S La Rosa.