A Method for Modeling the Individual Convenient Zone of a Human

Bogdan Branowski, Marek Zabłocki, Przemysław Kurczewski and Maciej Sydor ()
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Bogdan Branowski: Institute of Transport, Faculty of Civil and Transport Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
Marek Zabłocki: Institute of Transport, Faculty of Civil and Transport Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
Przemysław Kurczewski: Institute of Transport, Faculty of Civil and Transport Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
Maciej Sydor: Department of Woodworking and Fundamentals of Machine Design, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznań, Poland

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 16, 1-12

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.

Keywords: upper limb range of motion; physical strength; ergonomics; digital human model; participatory design; user-centered design; furniture design; senior; persons with disabilities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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