Designing Universally: Integration of CAD, Motion Capture and DHM to Simulate Wheelchair Users in a Retail Checkout Station

When identifying potential areas for workspace improvements, people with disabilities should be incorporated into the design process. The purpose of this investigation was to assess current digital human modeling (DHM) techniques for the future analysis of an accessible retail environment. Two approaches were examined: manipulating mannequins in current DHM software, and combining 3D visualization software with motion capture technology. Simulations of a standing salesperson and a customer using a wheelchair in a retail checkout station were created. The latter simulation was incorporated into a game engine environment where user-directed movement and interference detection are possible. Our hope is that this exploration will promote the future development of manikins with disabilities and virtual reality training for people with disabilities.