Application of human modelling in health care industry

Abstract

Digital human modelling (DHM) is commonly utilised for vehicle and workplace design in the automotive industry. More rarely are the tools applied in the health care industry, albeit having similar objectives for cost-efficiency and user-centred design processes. The paper illustrates how a DHM tool is modified and utilised to evaluate a bathing system design from caretakers' and caregivers' ergonomics point of view. Anthropometry, joint range of motion, description and appearance of the manikin was customised to meet the requirements in a health care setting. Furthermore, a preferred bathing posture was defined. A suggested DHM working process scenario illustrates that DHM tools can be customised, applied and useful in health care product design. Except technical customisations of the DHM tool, the development of a working process and work organisation around the tool is proposed for an effective and efficient use of digital human modelling. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.