Digital Human Modeling: A Review and Reappraisal of Origins, Present, and Expected Future Methods for Representing Humans Computationally

ABSTRACT

The effective use of computational modeling and simulation tools early in the design process is arguably becoming a gold standard for modern product development. Compared to many mechanistic computational design approaches, modeling and simulating humans, due to their inherent complexities of physiological and cognitive attributes, provides one of the most challenging undertakings. With the rapidly expanding use of computer, sensor, and visualization technologies, digital human modeling (DHM) emerged as a computerized design support methodology that enables modeling and simulation of humans within a computer-aided design (CAD) or virtual environment (VE). Implementing DHM with physical or digital mockups brings the advantages of running various “what-if” design scenarios early in design; thus, enhancing concept generation efforts by filtering out infeasible ideas and exploring better design alternatives. A modern product development process with DHM can also help to reduce the overall cost and time required in the long run. Although several DHM software packages are available and many companies have been designing with DHM, the domain has not reached maturity in resolving theoretical research questions and fostering simulation-based ergonomics practice. Besides, the growing body of literature, software platforms, and technology integration makes it challenging for newcomers and specialists from disciplines other than human factors engineering (HFE) to recognize the power of DHM tools. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the DHM domain and summarize the evolution, current status, and future trends of the DHM design support tools. We hope this review will provide a guideline for designers and serve as a roadmap for current and future researchers interested in DHM-related research to find out new venues and opportunities for further international collaborations.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

H. Onan Demirel

H. Onan Demirel is an assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering at Oregon State University. Dr. Demirel’s research interests lie at the intersection of human factors engineering, engineering design, and systems engineering. His work focuses on developing human-centered design methodologies. He received his PhD, MS., and BS degrees from Purdue University.

Salman Ahmed

Salman Ahmed is a studio integration design engineering at General Motors company. He received his Ph.D. from Oregon State University. His research interests include digital human modeling (DHM), human-centered product design, prototyping, risk and ergonomics assessments to improve human performance and safety.

Vincent G. Duffy

Vincent G. Duffy is a professor of Industrial Engineering, joint appointment with Agricultural & Biological Engineering at Purdue University. Dr. Duffy’s perception-based empirical modeling research in virtual and real environments contributed to safety in design. He received his PhD and MSIE degrees from Purdue University and BSME from NYU Engineering.