Simulating the use of products

Abstract

We introduce a methodology for modelling and simulating fully virtual human-artefact systems, aiming to resolve two issues in virtual prototyping: (i) integration of distinct modelling and simulation approaches, and (ii) extending the deployability of simulations towards conceptual design. We are going to offer designers a new way of investigating the use of a product, by integrating scenarios of expected human-artefact interaction and simulations of artefact behaviour into a unified framework. Since recruitment and employment of human subjects for physical and virtual testing is problematic, we propose a fully virtual simulation method based on resource-integrated models. The models incorporate both the logical and the physical aspects of the behaviours of humans and artefacts. This paper elaborates on a pilot implementation, in particular on realizing the implementation of the physical modelling and simulation elements based on commercially available software packages. Within limitations imposed by the software we used, the applicability testing by carrying out simulations of virtual human-product interaction during the use of a product proved that human-artefact interaction could be simulated with sufficient fidelity based on resource-integrated models,. It also provided useful knowledge on the improvements needed to develop a full-fledged dedicated simulation package.