As user-centered design gains importance in response to individualization and an aging population, addressing usability, accessibility, and ergonomic safety becomes more relevant. Digital human models, particularly musculoskeletal human models, offer potential for simulating user interactions and meeting ergonomic requirements early in product development. However, challenges remain in efficiently modeling user-product interactions. This pilot study investigates the influence of subject-specific parameters and the user’s position (height and distance) on human behavior during interaction with a pillar drill machine. Inertial measurement units were utilized for motion capture to obtain joint angles while joint moments and joint loads were determined through musculoskeletal simulations. Additionally, user perceptions were recorded via a questionnaire under varying conditions. Results indicate that body height and prior experience influence joint angles, particularly shoulder elevation and elbow flexion. The subject’s distance from the machine was found to influence interaction behavior more than height. Although body mass index affected interaction behavior, its impact was less compared to body height and prior experience. This study highlights the varying relevance of different influencing factors on joint dynamics during user-product interactions. To enhance proactive interaction modeling, future research should explore additional influencing factors and their impact on interaction behavior. Such efforts will promote the development of a comprehensive database of behavior cards, facilitating more effective modeling of user-product interactions and informing ergonomic design strategies across various applications.