Universal Design Manikin: Integrative Simulation and Visualization Techniques

Abstract

This research demonstrates methods for integrating simulation and visualization techniques with the current tools used in design work-flows. The techniques are applied to human factors with a concentration on disabilities. A tool named Universal Design Manikin is developed. The tool integrates a virtual manikin and wheelchair with a coresponding graphical user interface. The research covers factors from a human scale of reach abilitiy to a large scale of building navigation. The research presents an opportunity for seamless collaboration between scientists and designers by integrating joint analysis tools with design tools. Methods for simulation and visualization of reach, vision, navigation, and spatial zones are presented.