Abstract
Keywords: virtual product development, seating systems, systematic design
The seating system is the most valuable module of the car interior and represents the direct interface to the customer. Depending on the chosen options the seating system can account for up to 15% of the total production cost of a premium car. Consequently, the requirements for seating systems terms of function, comfort, and ergonomics are manifold. In this paper a product development process applied at the Audi AG in Ingolstadt, Germany is presented. This development process combines the application of virtual seat surface models which represent comfort and design characteristics with a conscious use of physical models. As a consequence of the use of the virtual models only few cost extensive physical models of the seating system have to be built and tested. The process for the development of seating system surfaces therefore reduces the development costs, enhances flexibility, reduces reaction delays, and allows early predictions concerning function, comfort, and ergonomics issues.