Advances in Human-AI Collaboration

9Integrating Generative Design and Ergonomics: A Data-Driven Approach with Digital Manikins

H. Onan Demirel¹, Xingang Li², and Zhenghui Sha³

¹Department of Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom

²Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

³Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA

9.1 Introduction

Design is inherently human-centered and collaborative, driven by iterative cycles of divergence and convergence thinking. These cycles help designers explore possibilities and refine design concepts that balance form and function while meeting specific goals, mainly driven by customer requirements and engineering constraints (Ulrich et al., 2008). For example, the conceptual design of vehicles involves addressing ergonomic factors—such as ensuring adequate headroom in occupant packaging—while simultaneously optimizing engineering performance metrics like the drag coefficient. This process underscores the inherently multidisciplinary nature of design, where mechanical requirements and human factors data must be integrated to balance competing priorities effectively.

Human-centered design philosophies, such as design thinking and empathic design, have long promoted HFE design methods considering user characteristics, experiences, and needs (Scataglini & Paul, 2019). These methods often comprise iterative refinement of physical ...