What percentile is typically viewed as the average height for design purposes?

The 50th percentile is considered the average height for design purposes because it represents the median value in a data set. In practical terms, this means that 50% of the population is shorter than this height and 50% is taller. When designers and engineers create products or spaces, they often use this measure to ensure that their designs will accommodate the largest portion of the population effectively.

By focusing on the 50th percentile, designers can ensure that their work is accessible to the most people, balancing the needs of comfort and functionality. Utilizing this height helps to avoid extremes that might only fit a small percentage of users, making the design more universally applicable.