Digital human modelling: inclusive design and the ageing population

Digital human modelling (DHM) is a tool that allows humans to be modelled in three-dimensional CAD. An almost infinite variety of humans can be modelled and families of so-called manikins can be created to act as virtual user groups, evaluating the interactions between humans and products, workplaces and environments. This chapter introduces the concept of DHM, its use of, and reliance on, anthropometric data from national populations and showcases two exemplar tools in SAMMIE and IPS IMMA. Case studies are presented that highlight the advantages DHM can bring to understanding the requirements of designing for the ageing population; covering designing for the ageing workforce, the exploration of transport accessibility and how users can generate representative manikin families to properly represent the diversity of people. DHM is demonstrated to be a powerful tool for practitioners aiming to understand and design for people, including older people within society.