Modelling

Manikins Manikins are 3 dimensional. They are used to help understand the limits of human movement and help to develop products where ergonomic relationships are important, such as clothing, work places, kitchens, etc.

Ergonome A 2D anthropometric model based on a specific percentile, which is used with drawings of the same scale to consider the relationship between the size of an object and people. They are used with 2D drawings, mainly for orthographic drawings

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using manikins to represent human factors data compared to ergonomes They are more expensive and time consuming than ergonomes because of the need for 3D models They are more realistic representations of a design context.

Discuss advantages and disadvantages of the use of ergonomes to represent human factors data They only give an approximate idea of the relationship between sizes of body parts and sizes of objects, for example, reach. They are cheap and easy to use

Appearance Prototypes

Appearance Prototypes – to gain human factors data Look like the final product but do not work like the final product Can be simple or sophisticated – simulating weight, balance and material properties Usually for show and not designed to be handled excessively

The use of appearance prototypes at the design developmental stage Gives non-designers a good idea what the product will look and feel like. Marketing Directors – make judgments Production engineers - assess feasibility of manufacture However, they can be expensive as they need to have a good surface finish and be life-size

Functional Prototype A functional prototype is prototype that “looks like” and “works like” a production product. Although they are made from prototype materials, these models simulate actual finishes and colours as well as mechanisms.

These prototypes are used in all products that are designed to ensure that all parts will function properly and that the appearance is satisfactory. It is also to test that the product functions according to the specification and there will not be any mistakes when the product is mass produced.

Outline the use of a functional prototype model to evaluate human factors aspects of a design

allows the product to be used by potential users – including a range of percentile groups Mechanisms function accordingly and can be tested Ergonomics can be tested Functioning prototyping uses rapid prototyping to create models that reflect the actual function and dimensions of the product.

Discuss the advantages of the use of functional prototypes for gaining human factors data The designer can test the model with the intended user to see if any adjustments need to be made to the shape or even the functional properties to increase the performance. This can save money in the long term as the moulds/ dies can then be planned and made accordingly.

Modelling Materials - polymorph New generation of non-hazardous biodegradable polymer. – Can become a tough machinable material

Polymorph… in action http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhVuc6RNyaw#t=11

Modelling Materials - Clay can be used to create quick models to evaluate the ergonomics of a product. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnuH5No_aXM&feature=related

Modelling Materials - Card Can be a quick construction to a show a three dimensional product. It can also be a good representation of packaging materials, architectural models and floor plans.

What is the difference between a manikin and an ergonome?

Outline how a manikin might be used to represent human factors data

Outline how an ergonome might be used to represent human factors data

What are the disadvantages and advantages of using ergonomes to represent human factors data

What are the disadvantages and advantages of using ergonomes to represent human factors data?

What are the disadvantages and advantages of using manikins to represent human factors data?

What’s an appearance prototype?

What materials can be used to make an appearance prototype?

What’s a functional prototype?

Why might you make an appearance prototype?

Why might you make a functional prototype?

Prototypes can be expensive, so what are the advantages to using a functional prototype?

Give two examples of modelling materials that can help you get human factors data – specifically ergonomic data

Why might you want to model something in card?