Ergonomic DHM Systems - Limitations and Trends – A Review Focused on the ‘Future of Ergonomics’

Ergonomic Digital Human Model (DHM) systems have evolved from drawing templates to complex and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) integrated design and analysis tools. While the development of DHM for other domains (e.g. the game sector) has seen significant progress in recent years, advances of DHM in the area of ergonomics have been comparatively modest. As a consequence, we need to question if current DHM systems are fit for the future. According to Dul et al. (2012), future characteristics of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) can be assigned to six main trends: (1) global change of work systems, (2) cultural diversity, (3) ageing, (4) information and communication technology (ICT), (5) enhanced competiveness and the need for innovation, (6) sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Based on a literature and internet review, we systematically investigate the capabilities of current ergonomic DHM systems versus the ‘Future of Ergonomics’ requirements. DHMs already provide broad functionality in support of trends (2) and (3), and more limited options in regards to trend (1). However the growing importance of ICT (4), the need for innovation (5) and sustainability (6) are addressed primarily from a hardware-oriented engineering perspective and not reflected in DHMs, demonstrating a persistent separation between hardware design (engineering) and software design (information technology) in the view of DHMs. This disconnection needs to be overcome in the era of software-defined user interfaces and mobile devices. The design of a mobile ICT-device is discussed to exemplify the need for a comprehensive future DHM solution. Designing such mobile devices requires an approach that includes organizational aspects as well as technical and cognitive ergonomics. Multiple interrelationships between the different aspects result in a challenging setting for future DHM. In conclusion, the ‘Future of Ergonomics’ poses particular challenges for DHM in regards to the design of mobile work systems, and moreover mobile information access.