Daniel Braatz

Complementarities of digital human models and ergonomic work analysis in workstation design: the manual packaging task

This study demonstrates how digital human models and ergonomic work analysis (EWA) can be integrated in the process of designing a new workstation. To this end, this paper examines the application of human simulation technology during an ergonomic intervention, which included the design of a new workstation concept with new technical artefacts. Simulation was used to test some of the design variables and to aid communication among the actors. The environments were designed in AutoCAD 2010 (Autodesk) and then imported to Delmia V5R18 (Dassault Systemes) to simulate the static tests (variables such as posture) and the dynamic tests (animations). The main findings indicate that digital human simulation is an important tool to aid workstation design and to anticipate situations in future work activities. This case study revealed that the integrated use of EWA and simulation enabled workers to participate and interact as people directly responsible for planning work activities.

SIMULAÇÃO HUMANA DIGITAL NA CONCEPÇÃO DE POSTOS DE TRABALHO: ESTUDO COMPARATIVO DE CASOS

This paper investigates a computational tool for Human Modeling and Simulation contextualized by Ergonomic Analysis of Work (EAW) and future work activity forecasting that can assist in the design processes of workplaces. Two case studies using Human Simulation was employed and the software Jack were analyzed. The first study presents the design of a counter in a public post office. The second shows the development of a workstation for the supply of surgical needles in a company that manufactures hygiene and healthcare products. The results of the case studies show the contributions and challenges of using this design technology aiming to solve problems related to health and productivity. The use of simulation combined with EAW helped to improve future work activity forecasting of new work situations and helped the integration and communication of the actors involved in these social processes.

Virtual Simulations for Incorporating Ergonomics into Design Projects: Opportunities and Limitations of Different Media and Approaches

Throughout the design process, project actors rely on a variety of artifacts for fostering creativity, communication and make-sensing among the project team. Among those artefacts are virtual simulations, achieved using different types of software in which different scenarios and configurations of the future situation can be discussed and tested out. In this paper, we aim to achieve a better understanding on how Ergonomics research and practice can benefit from utilizing computer-based simulation, especially using “CAD”, “Game Engines”, “Discrete Event Simulation” and “Digital Human Modelling and Simulation” software. Through a brief review of the relevant literature we were able to get an overall understanding of how researchers and practitioners are using these tools to incorporate ergonomics into the design process. The affordances and limitations of each tool for simulating future scenarios in an ergonomics perspective are highlighted. Additionally, a comparison framework inspired by Ziolek and Krutihof (2000) division of the human modelling environment process was developed. The four aspects of this comparison framework comprised the manikin, the environment, the analysis and the interactions. Then, each of the presented tools were compared along these dimensions. Furthermore, we discuss possible ways for articulating these simulation tools throughout the design process. The results can help practitioners and researchers when planning computer simulations targeting ergonomics aspects of future work systems.

Employing Game Engines for Ergonomics Analysis, Design and Education

Game Engines (GEs) are digital platforms generally employed to develop computer games and 3D applications using pre-existing modules and functionality (and thus speeding up development process). Several studies already investigate GEs application for education and training, collaborative design, facilities simulation and design, operational simulations and for the development of virtual and augmented reality applications. In this paper we present three virtual environments developed in a free to use GE and analyze them in terms of their goals, intended audience, interaction possibilities and overall design. Results highlight GEs affordances such as the development of high-quality graphics 3D environments, their real-time system nature, the possibility for digital human manikin’s customization, user agency, versatility in terms of possible interactions programming, among others, which make GEs powerful tools for ergonomics analysis, design and education.

Simulation, Prototyping and Experimentation - The Potential of the Maker Labs to Achieving a Design-Driven HFE

Participatory Ergonomics design processes need intermediary objects to anticipate future activity and integrate team’s thoughts on the improvements of the work situation. These objects enable users and designers to dialogue and develop together a new representation of the work analyzed. The group needs to discuss, touch and test many variables, thus being required to engaging in simulation, prototyping and experimentation activities. Thus, maker labs’ potential for a design-driven Human Factors and Ergonomics relates to the tools and techniques for facilitating the technical and social construction of the design process. This paper aims to achieve a better understanding on the potential of this kind of labs in fostering a design-driven HFE based on three practical experiences carried-out by the authors. The first case reports a new product development project of physical evaluation apparatus focusing both ergonomics aspects (for the professional who uses it as work tool) and usability aspects (to the patient/user). A second case highlights the development, prototyping and simulation of a walking aid for people with motor skills impairment. The final case highlights the benefits of using 3D printed models as an intermediary object in a workshop for ergonomics and design education. Results achieved so far point toward the promising potential that maker labs’ technologies have in the context of ergonomics practice and education. Among the main benefits from simulation, prototyping and experimentation we highlight the ability to quickly produce scale physical models for fostering understanding throughout design processes, the testing of products/parts with custom made specification (including anatomical shapes) with low costs associated, and the ability to physically build and manipulate designs that usually would only be represented as virtual renderings or drawings.

Developing a Framework for a Participatory Ergonomics Design Processes: The MPEC Method

Ergonomics is considered a design-driven discipline although several challenges hinder its incorporation into the design process such as the articulation of the several actors involved. In this paper we present and discuss a framework for participatory ergonomics design processes focusing on its validation in three real-life design projects. The development of the framework started from a literature review, focusing on existing methods for participatory ergonomics. Seven tools and techniques were selected and structured as a framework which was then validated in three pilot studies (redesign of an industrial kitchen, public hospital sector and large steel industry sector). From the cases, we saw that the framework enabled participants to interact and contribute in different contexts (by themselves, in small groups, collectively) in different stages of the design process while also allowing for the development of several alternative solutions which can be further explored through simulations. It also directs the organization towards concrete changes through detailing and prioritizing of possible solutions and the establishment of a shared view of the planned implementations. Results show that the tools and techniques when employed in an articulated and integrated way supported the development of conceptual designs from a collaborative perspective. The Brazilian context in which this framework was developed, presents several other challenges that must be better understood. Furthermore, as the Ergonomic Workplace Analysis provides a structured intervention method, this framework can assist practitioners and researchers to better structure their participatory ergonomics design approach using integrated and efficient methods and techniques.