A Method for Modeling the Individual Convenient Zone of a Human

Abstract

When designing products to fit a specific user, it is essential to know the user’s upper limb range and strength capabilities at each point of the range space. This is particularly relevant when those capabilities are atypical, e.g., in cases of nonstandard body dimensions, disability, or old age. In this paper, we describe a new method to measure and model the strength capabilities at each point of any person’s upper limb range and then present this information in the form of an Individual Convenient Zone (ICZ) model, which is helpful in virtual product prototyping (CAD) for a specific user. The proposed new method includes creating a database of multiple, detailed, spatial-force characteristics, quickly identifying and modeling the ICZ of any human, and analyzing the ergonomics of a product using a digital human model in combination with the ICZ model. The paper also describes an example of how the proposed methodology can be used to customize kitchen furniture design to the ICZ of a specific senior. The expected result of incorporating ICZ into the design is a better fit between the designed product and the user’s needs, supporting user-centered design methodology. Using ICZ enables the involvement of end-users in product design (participatory design). This is particularly important when designing for people with mobility impairments who are more sensitive to nonergonomic solutions. The ICZ modeling method described in this article may have broader applications beyond kitchen furniture design; it could be used to design workspaces and other similar areas where humans reside and perform manipulation activities.

Designing Innovative Assistive Technology Devices for Tourism

“…Ergonomic design (or “human factors” design, as it is referred to in the USA) is a framework for designing or arranging products and systems (workplaces) so that they are comfortable for the people who use them [ 63 , 64 ]. It is essential when designing AT since people with disabilities are usually more sensitive to non-ergonomic solutions than non-disabled individuals [ 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 ]. This imposes the need for a multifaceted analysis of the object’s limitations due to disability and frequently also when considering the adaptation of the product to the ability to perform the physical tasks of daily life (physiological functional capacity, PFC).…”

Chair Size Design Based on User Height

“…Other DHMs used in design include DELMIA Safework (delmia.com), ErgoForms (ergoforms.com), LifeMOD Biomechanics Modeler (lifemodeler.com), and ManneQuinPRO (nexgenergo.com). DHMs allow the design of a product tailored dimensionally to a person of selected body dimensions or a larger group of people within the desired size range, analogous to anthropometric atlases [ 12 ]. Another source of information about human body proportions is an artistic canon of body proportions used in visual arts.…”

Anthropo-Mechanical Cradles: A Multidisciplinary Review

“…A well-designed domestic cradle for babies should be technically feasible, meet aesthetic requirements, offer adequate functionality, and be safe to use. The technical feasibility of a cradle, like any other piece of furniture, is achieved by a properly prepared technical design [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Furniture aesthetic design quality, including cradles, depends on many subjective factors, such as culture, fashion, and personal sense of aesthetics [ 7 , 8 ].…”

“…A significant problem in the design of the cradle is effectively “incorporating” all human factors into the product. The application of psychological and physiological determinants to the products include human error resistance, proper functionality, enhanced safety of use, and comfort [ 6 ].…”