This thesis is the final project for the author’s master’s studies at Halmstad University. It has been completed within a research project (CROMM) at the University of Skövde.

The purpose of the thesis was to analyse and evaluate if the ergonomic simulation software IMMA can be used to support design and evaluation of vehicle design. Four thesis questions were addressed. The objectives were to obtain a demonstrator that shows what the IMMA software can be used for, and to receive initial design data for design of ergonomic car trunks.

Semi-structured interviews have been held with people who work with vehicle ergonomics at Volvo Cars, Scania and AB Volvo, and needs were identified within the following fields:  position, motion, envelopes, integration, evaluation, visualisation and general needs. An analysis of the results and the IMMA software was performed. The conclusion was that IMMA supports the basic needs for design and evaluation of vehicle ergonomics and therefore needs further development, both modifications and new functions.

A method from the HFES 300 Committee was used for evaluation of the trunks together with simulations in IMMA. The result showed a variation depending on where in the trunk the box is placed. The analyse lead to the conclusion that the results cannot be seen as fully repeatable or reliable. A new function is needed in order to make it possible to fully evaluate the result.

The recommendations are to start with development of the sit-positioning and an evaluation module. Although, the development of how to make the tool more time-efficient, user-friendly, repeatable and reliable, must be taken into consideration in each development step.