Title: The development of a designer-oriented digital human model: a case study

Authors: Daniël H. Schaefers; Johan F.M. Molenbroek; Iemkje A. Ruiter; Yu Song

Addresses: Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands ' Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands ' Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands ' Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands

Abstract: A valid, easy-to-use and affordable ergonomics tool can help the product designer in accelerating the design process, especially in the early stage of design. In this paper, a digital human model (DHM) prototype is proposed and verified with product designer-oriented features. Starting with a literature and field study, the research focused on identifying problems and exploring the needs of the product designers in using DHMs. Based on this information, a list of requirements is proposed as the guidelines in developing a designer-oriented DHM. Using the action research method, a DHM prototype was developed, tested and reflected upon by using a pilot experiment, followed by a new iteration where a large scale test was deployed. Experiments results prove the accuracy and the basic functionalities, especially the easy-to-use features of the DHM. They also indicate problems and wishes regarding the interfaces, the efficiency of the algorithms, the compatibility and the advanced functionality.

Keywords: anthropometry; digital human models; digital human modelling; DHM; product design; usability; affordability; requirements; case study; product development; designer-oriented features; ergonomics; design process.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFMS.2012.051098

International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation, 2012 Vol.3 No.2, pp.224 - 246

Received: 02 Jan 2012
Accepted: 21 Sep 2012
Published online: 29 Aug 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article