ABSTRACT
Many artifacts are designed to best fit a caucasian male body, meaning that people with female bodies and/or of different races can be overlooked and put at risk of physical harm. This is the case for much standard personal protective equipment (PPE) used across industries, including security, medical, and construction contexts. It is an important social justice issue where a lack of attention and equity in design undermines the basic need for physical safety and protection. The problem is amplified as users may not be aware of their increased risk and may put undue trust in these design artifacts.
This case study problematizes ill-fitting PPE and highlights alternative designs. It provides an overview of the research on fit, such as data that shows that N95 masks do not always fit the face shape and size of female and Asian users, resulting in a greater risk of infections. It then points to companies that make equipment in different shapes and sizes. Original interviews with designers and other stakeholders highlight the need for these products and bring attention to barriers that stand in the way.
