In user-centred design, digital human models hold the potential for proactive evaluations of ergonomics or discomfort in terms of a computer aided ergonomics tool. Therefore, models predicting human interaction behaviour, are necessary. In this contribution we present such a model as well as its initial evaluation. The evaluation is performed by applying the interaction model to a specific use case, conducting a comparison with an empirical subject study. The evaluation shows that similar and realistic human behaviour was predicted, which was consistent in terms of whole-body strain.

This proof-of-concept pilot study explored virtual simulation methodology to quantify blind-spot line-of-sight using avatars derived from an older driver database (n = 100). Siemens Jack software simulated the blind spots of eight older driver avatars (four female). The male and female avatars were scaled to be small (25th percentile) and large (75th percentile) based on the height distribution for the older driver database, and had either “normal” (65 degrees) or “abnormal” (50 degrees) neck range of motion (ROM). A virtual model of a Volkswagen Beetle was used to illustrate left and right blind-spot line-of-sight for each avatar. Average line-of-sight between blind spots was 22.3 per cent and 10.4 per cent in the “normal” and “abnormal” rotational neck ROM conditions, respectively. Older drivers with functional impairments affecting neck ROM are more likely to have problems with left blind-spot line-of-sight. Findings are discussed with regard to vehicle design considerations for older adults.