ABSTRACT
This chapter moves both chronologically and thematically, using examples and theories to understand the crucial connection between design and the body: a baby cradle found in ancient Pompeii with a striking resemblance to a contemporary IKEA product and questions about the very fairness of participating in professional long runs by comparing Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s sandals with Nike’s Vaporfly 4% trainers. Following Richard Dreyfuss’s famous humanscale approach to modern ergonomics, we explore the political implications of design and the body and analyse excluded communities, inclusive design and social and humanistic approaches to design. Finally, we move from classic physical ergonomics to social ergonomics, shame, empowerment and the potential of positive design for and through the body.
