This research aimed to explore the integration of Virtual reality technology in
ergonomically testing automotive interior designs. This objective was aimed at
ensuring that such technology could be used to ameliorate user comfort through
controlled simulations. Existing ergonomic testing methods are often limited
when it comes to recreating actual driving situations and quickly repeating
design improvements. VR could be used as a solution because its ergonomically
tested simulation can be used to provide users with the real experience of
driving. The users can be observed while they experience it and asked for their
feedback. For this research, an interactive VR environment imitating a
10-minute-long trip through traffic and changing road conditions was created. It
was populated by ten users, concatenated equally in men and women, both aged
20-35, representing approximate demographics of workers in the automotive
production industry. Participants of the research were asked to use assessed
metrics, which included subjective comfort rating, control reachability,
visibility rating and overall user experience within the VR simulation. The VR
environment was overall well-received by the demands of this research. Its uses
found it comfortable and easy to use, with average metrics of 7.5, 8.0, and 7.5,
respectively for comfort, controls, and visibility. The overall user experience
averaged at 7.8. The information obtained through this research proves that VR
environments can be used effectively to simulate the interior of cars and
ameliorate the ergonomics of their designs. This could potentially be a
revolutionary technology, accelerating automotive development by the early
detection of design mistakes and facilitating iterative improvements with
subsequent iterations.