CONFERENCES
E&PDE 2026 - 28th International Conference on Engineering & Product Design Education
The Conference will bring together representatives from education and industry interested in sharing new perspectives on design education.
Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
THE VITRUVIAN WOMAN FROM PATRIARCHAL DESIGN TO GENDER EQUITY THROUGH ERGONOMICS EDUCATION
Franco, Eran
Type:
Year:
2026
Editor:
Buck, Lyndon; Brisco. Ross; Bohemia, Erik
Author:
Series:
E&PDE
Institution:
Tel Aviv University, Israel; Holon Institute of Technology, Israel; Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College, Israel; Shamir Medical Center, Israel
Page(s):
239 - 243
DOI number:
ISBN:
978-1-912254-24-8
ISSN:
3005-4753
Abstract:
The physiological differences between men and women result in higher musculoskeletal disease risk for women. Despite this, the prevalent perception in industrial design relies on men as the “average person,” ignoring women’s characteristics. This lecture challenges patriarchal dominance in design and presents ergonomics education as a change agent. The male-default bias aggravates health risks and limits women’s function and participation, evident in fields like medicine. For example, surgical instruments are generally designed for large hands and grip strength, systematically disadvantaging women and small-handed surgeons, and creating barriers to equal professional participation. Industrial design education has a responsibility to eliminate this inherited bias and redefine human-centered design. The lecture presents a gender-aware pedagogical model that empowers students to identify male-default assumptions, apply ergonomic principles, and design tools for safe, effective, and gender-inclusive use. Experiential learning is central model feature: students interact with physical products and observe how ergonomic modifications can improve usability for women without compromising men. The model also highlights influential female designers, addressing the lack of visible female achievement and broadening perceptions of leadership in design, traditionally male-dominated. During the lecture, live demonstrations will illustrate gender-sensitive ergonomic principles and design tactics, providing actionable insights for educators and designers. Through evidence-based theory, practice, and case studies, the lecture conveys how gender-conscious ergonomics education can foster better-designed products and a more equitable design culture. Attendees will gain practical strategies for teaching gender-responsive design and realize the broader social impact of cultivating a new generation of designers, for a truly equitable world.
Keywords:
