Extending Axiomatic Design Theory to Human-Machine Cooperative Products

Human-Machine Cooperative Product (HMCP) is ubiquitous in our daily life. The examples of HMCP are cell phones, cars, etc. The basic feature with this kind of product is that human operation is essential. The existing design theory and methodology seems to be mostly for functional products such as engine. There is a rich set of knowledge for ergonomics design but it is mostly about how easy for the human operator to operate directly or monitor the product. For HMCPs, there is not only the issue of how easy to operate or monitor but also the issue of how the human operates. This paper presents a study to extend the existing design theory called Axiomatic Design Theory (ADT) to guide the design of HMCP. The hand control unit for colonoscopy technology was used to assist in the development in this study.