Developing a multifunctioning Digital Human Model

Developing a multifunctioning Digital Human Model

Blom, G.E.

Molenbroek, J.F.M. (mentor)
Song, Y. (mentor)

Industrial Design Engineering

Industrial Design

Master of Science Integrated Product Design

2015-07-23

Executive Summary This graduation project has initiated by Dr. Johan Molenbroek. There is a need for a better fitting Digital Human Model for the faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE). This project has been carried out by an IPD student with an affection for modelling and ergonomics. Research Before the start of this project, explorative research has been done in order to get a better insight in the current state of development in the field of digital ergonomics aids. It was found that there are varying types of DHMs, used in various sectors. Furthermore many databases around the world provide insight in human dimensions, though there is no consistency or standard for this knowledge. This results in overall poor quality of the databases and the exchangeability of raw data for the DHMs. After the start of this project, quantitative user research has been performed. The method that was used was an ‘online questionnaire form’ to achieve high response rates from the target group; all students at the IDE faculty. Knowledge and experience in relation to known DHMs was reviewed in this research. The input of the participants helped to gather more insight in their needs. This helps to result in a better product-user fit. The original assignment for this project was further explored and different tracks within the assignment were defined. Ideation Two former DHMs were developed and evaluated by the Supervisory Team. The conclusion of this, combined with the research outcomes, led to the final goal definition for this project; “Develop a DHM for educational purpose which can be used at the IDE faculty, and by students. The usage should be as unobtrusive as possible; it should fit within the regular workflow of design students during their projects.” An extensive list of requirements (LOR) was generated in order to guide this project, and to be able to validate the functionalities and abilities of the end-result. The LOR was composed from of three contributing sources; - direct requirements from the client (the faculty of IDE, coming forth from the above goal definition) - needs and wishes from the users (derived from the first user research) - requirements adapted from a previous graduation project, being the forbear of this project. Together with the insights and knowledge of the author the LOR was finalized. Concept development had already begun and this list was a guiding tool securing the quality of the model.7 Product Development Various iterative cycles led to the final product that has to fulfill the needs of the stakeholders. The DHM that has been developed is a high fidelity digital version of the human body. An accompanying User Interface (UI) will contribute to the ease of use of this model. Different user tasks have been defined. Model configuration, model posing, target product interaction, target product testing and evaluation and rendering are tasks that will be performed by the user during their design process. The DHM is named AMIE(E), the name for a French (girl)friend. It stands for Anthropometric Model In Ergonomics Education It has a complete body poseability, a realistic and ready to render appearance. There are five varying percentile pre-sets, linked to a database derived from DINED. Testing The usage of the AMIE(E) DHM was tested with a selection of the target user group. In depth user research was set-up for this evaluation on the usability. The method that was used was ‘Use study research using video documentation’. This method aided in simulating the expected realistic usage of this model, as well as recording the activities in a non-obtrusive manner. Results from this user research were revealing several negative aspects. Crucial requirements relating to usability were not (fully) met, leading to a negative user experience. The cause of this outcome has been considered. Underestimation of the complexity of this task, combined with a shortage of experience in developing digital UI can be seen as contributors. Software problems in relation to the program of SolidWorks are also seen as a malefactor in this project. Recommendations Tough decisions had to be made about the continuation of this project. It was decided that main efforts had to be put in the transfer of knowledge regarding this project. The insights and achievements that have been made during this project should be transferred to successors. An extensive overview of recommendations and raw content has been provided, in order for a smooth continuation of the development of this DHM. The conclusion of this paper reflects the fierce confidence of the author. The start of a grand project has been made. The development of the AMIE(E) DHM was more complex than anticipated for. Nevertheless this project has been finalized with satisfaction. A first usable version of the DHM has been made available for the faculty. Great knowledge has been gathered in the discipline of digital ergonomic aids.. The ending of this graduation project will be the start of a new one; the next step that will be done by another great developer.

Anthropometrics
Digital Human Model
DHM
SolidWorks
Ergonomics
Human Factors

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:ffdfb580-2968-4345-9e9e-7c595e9a0806

Campus only

Student theses

master thesis

(c) 2015 Blom, G.E.