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Abstract.The human body is a complex biomechanical system that exhibits many variations. Wearable products should be both functional and comfortable. They require a close and accurate fit to the body of the end-user. Current approaches to design body near products rely on 1D anthropometry and unrealistic manikins, e.g. constructed from simple surfaces such as spheres and cylinders connected by splines. With the uprising of 3D scanning, a myriad of accurate 3D body models becomes available. In this paper we present a framework to use this 3D shape information in the development of wearable products. The key concept that we introduce to achieve this extension, is an enriched shape model: a statistical shape model of the human body that also contains all 1D anthropometric data in it. With enriched shape models, a 3D shape can be parameterized with a given set of anthropometric features. Thus the dense geometric information of an individual's shape can be obtained simply by tuning that individual's anthropometric values. By designing on the generated 3D surface, a product can be obtained that closely fits the individual's shape. We thus extend the method of linking 1D anthropometric data with the dimensions of a product. This results in three design strategies that link both body shape with product geometry: design for collective fit, design for fit within clusters and design for individual fit. Each strategy is explained and studied with the design of wearable EEG headsets that fits the human head. KeywordsMass-customization, EEG headsets, CAD, parameterized design, 3D anthropometry, statistical shape models Relevance to Design PracticeWe present a workflow to use accurate 3D shape models of the human body in the design of products that should closely fit the end-user. To that end, we introduce enriched shape models: a new data structure that contains all dense geometric shape information together with classical anthropometric data. We illustrate how enriched shape models can be used to achieve products with personalized fit, as an extension to the use of univariate anthropometric data. The use of enriched shape models for personalized design could become an important driver for mass customization. To that end, tools and techniques should be developed to incorporate the presented workflow in CAD/CAM.

Many medical and assistive devices are experienced as unpleasant and uncomfortable. On top of their discomfort, product users may also experience social unease. We label this process "product-related stigma" (PRS). This paper presents two measuring techniques that aim to objectively assess the 'degree' of PRS that is 'attached' to products. Both experiments focus on the behavioral deviations in the walking path of passers-by during a public and unprepared encounter with a user of a stigma-sensitive product (dust mask). The 'Dyadic Distance Experiment' measures exact interpersonal distances, whereas the 'Stain Dilemma Experiment' presents the passer-by with a choice in his walking path. Both experimental techniques are predominantly suited as comparison tools, able to compare products on their PRS-eliciting potential. Designers and developers can use these results to justify design decisions with quantitative data, to assess which product properties have influenced certain reactions, and to what extent subsequent improvements have been successful.

Human augmentation is a thriving research field that aims to amplify human abilities through the development of technological improvements as an integral part of the human body. Human augmentation products may be made for anyone, ranging from healthy users wanting to enhance their human abilities to users who face temporary or permanent disabilities, physical impairments, or perilous situations that oblige them to use these products.This article attempts to introduce readers to the domain of human augmentation by providing a thorough formulation of the concept and its related terms to develop a more solid structural basis. Additionally, a categorical and dimensional classification of the field was given. Based on these findings, we then proposed a novel framework in the form of a diagrammatic presentation of both classifications, which could enable product designers to better understand and characterize the type of human augmentation product they are designing by determining its location in the diagram. Finally, the proposed framework was evaluated by introducing and classifying several significant human augmentation products most of which have proven to successfully exceed human abilities.

Stereotypes and prejudices are a ubiquitous cultural phenomenon that can impinge on peoples' wellbeing. Moreover, the power of public stigma can make users of certain products experience discrimination, alienation, and inequality. Such experiences increase the likelihood of individuals rejecting products, services, environments, etc. altogether, often depriving them of e.g. safety, efficiency, and independence. In a worst-case scenario this can lead to a stigmatised condition that triggers further inequality and exclusion. In an increasingly complex world, it is imperative that those responsible for addressing future needs, challenges, and demands, i.e. the next generation of designers, architects, engineers, etc., are adequately equipped as regards methods and tools for battling existing stereotypes and prejudices related to social growth and development in society. Through this, they will ensure that stigma-free design is a priority when initiating, planning, and executing future projects. The purpose of this paper is to describe what happens when critical design is used to explore the stigma associated with existing products, services, environments, etc. in the context of interdisciplinary workshops, and to discuss the results so far. Furthermore, the paper examines whether and how this upside-down way of thinking about and performing design is a good contribution to the fields of design, architecture, engineering, etc. as a method of both teaching and learning about equality, diversity, and inclusion.