Methods of ergonomic vehicle development

The product development process of a new vehicle model is characterized by a high degree of complexity, which is primarily due to the interaction of numerous creative employees both within the organization of the automobile manufacturer and in the supplier environment and with various service providers. The chronological sequence of this product development process is used to characterise the areas in which ergonomic findings and measures are used to a special degree. In addition to the use of digital human models, investigations with test subjects play an important role in this context. The different methods for the simulation of anthropometric conditions such as experiments with seat boxes, variable ergonomics test benches in connection with virtual reality and the simulation of driving and traffic dynamic aspects using driving simulators are explained. The different simulator techniques as well as their expressiveness depending on the technical condition of the installation are taken into account. Tests with real vehicles and the special techniques used, which take place on closed test grounds or in public road traffic, are also presented. Finally, the influence of customer feedback on ergonomic design is examined.