The Human Workflow Virtual Validation Playbook

Engineering teams are under constant pressure to develop increasingly complex products faster, while reducing cost, risk, and dependence on physical prototypes. The Human Workflow Virtual Validation Playbook explores how leading organisations are using immersive virtual validation to identify issues earlier, improve collaboration, and make better decisions throughout the product lifecycle. This practical guide outlines five critical phases where virtual validation delivers measurable business value: Concept and Design Validation, Tooling and Assembly Validation, Production Ramp-Up and Line Readiness, Service and Maintenance Validation, and Risk Response and Crisis Mitigation. For each phase, the playbook examines common challenges, the risks associated with late-stage issue discovery, and how engineering teams can leverage virtual validation to improve outcomes. Using real-world examples from industries including aerospace, automotive, commercial vehicles, construction equipment, heavy machinery, and defence, the playbook demonstrates how organisations have reduced engineering effort, accelerated development timelines, improved manufacturing readiness, enhanced serviceability, and minimised operational disruption through virtual-first workflows. The guide highlights how Keysight Human Workflow (IC.IDO) enables teams to evaluate products, processes, and maintenance activities in an immersive, full-scale digital environment before physical assets are available. By validating accessibility, ergonomics, manufacturability, assembly sequences, maintenance procedures, and operational workflows earlier in the development process, organisations can reduce costly rework, eliminate risk, and gain confidence in key decisions. Whether you are responsible for product design, manufacturing engineering, production planning, service readiness, or programme delivery, this playbook provides actionable insights into applying virtual validation to create more predictable outcomes, accelerate innovation, and deliver products right first time.