Short answer
Critically examine the historical and cultural assumptions embedded in your definition of the 'target user' or 'standard user' to avoid perpetuating potentially biased or exclusionary design norms.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- South Central Review (2009)
- Method
- Historical and literary analysis
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Early modern attempts to represent the human body through anatomical illustration and cartography laid the groundwork for abstract, universalizing concepts of 'normal' that still influence design. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2009 study published in South Central Review. Using Historical and literary analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Critically examine the historical and cultural assumptions embedded in your definition of the 'target user' or 'standard user' to avoid perpetuating potentially biased or exclusionary design norms.
The 'Normal' Human Form: A Precursor to Modern Design Standards
Early modern attempts to represent the human body through anatomical illustration and cartography laid the groundwork for abstract, universalizing concepts of 'normal' that still influence design.
South Central Review · 2009
Key Findings
- 01Anatomical illustrations and cartography in early modern England shared a tendency towards universalizing and abstract representation of the human.
- 02This shared logic contributed to an emerging epistemology of embodiment that prefigured modern concepts of 'norms' and 'the normal'.
- 03King Lear engages with these emerging modes of knowledge, revealing a genealogy of normality rooted in universalizing reasoning rather than shared conduct.
Application
Design takeaway
Critically examine the historical and cultural assumptions embedded in your definition of the 'target user' or 'standard user' to avoid perpetuating potentially biased or exclusionary design norms.
How to apply
When defining user personas or design specifications, research the historical context of the standards you are adopting and consider how they might exclude certain user groups.
Project actions
- 01When developing user profiles, consider the historical context of 'typical' user assumptions.
- 02Analyze how visual representations in your field might be contributing to or challenging existing norms.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a unique historical perspective on the origins of design standards.
- +Connects literary analysis with visual culture and scientific history.
Limitations
The historical context is specific and may not directly apply to all modern design challenges without careful consideration.
Reliability & validity
The study's findings are based on interpretation of historical texts and images, making direct replication challenging. Validity relies on the strength of the scholarly argument and the evidence presented.
Think critically
How might the pursuit of 'universal' design, inspired by historical attempts at standardization, inadvertently lead to the marginalization of diverse user experiences?
Design Principles
"Challenge the presumed universality of design standards by investigating their historical origins and potential biases."
Understanding the historical development of what is considered 'normal' can help designers critically evaluate the underlying assumptions in their work. This historical perspective reveals how seemingly objective standards are often socially constructed and can lead to exclusionary design practices if not interrogated.
What This Means for Your Design
Old drawings of bodies and maps show how people started thinking about a 'normal' way to be human, which is like an early version of the standards we use in design now.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this research when discussing the development of design standards or user archetypes in your design project.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The historical analysis of early modern anatomical and cartographic representations reveals a precursor to modern concepts of 'normality.' This suggests that design standards, often presented as objective, are in fact historically contingent and can perpetuate biases if not critically examined. Designers should therefore investigate the origins of their assumed user norms to ensure inclusivity.
Source
South Central Review
The Nature of Norms in Early Modern England: Anatomy, Cartography, King Lear
journal · 2009
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about the 'normal' human form: a precursor to modern design standards?
- Critically examine the historical and cultural assumptions embedded in your definition of the 'target user' or 'standard user' to avoid perpetuating potentially biased or exclusionary design norms. Evidence: South Central Review (2009).
- Why does "The 'Normal' Human Form: A Precursor to Modern Design Standards" matter for design?
- Understanding the historical development of what is considered 'normal' can help designers critically evaluate the underlying assumptions in their work. This historical perspective reveals how seemingly objective standards are often socially constructed and can lead to exclusionary design practices if not interrogated.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Critically examine the historical and cultural assumptions embedded in your definition of the 'target user' or 'standard user' to avoid perpetuating potentially biased or exclusionary design norms.
- What were the main findings?
- Anatomical illustrations and cartography in early modern England shared a tendency towards universalizing and abstract representation of the human.. This shared logic contributed to an emerging epistemology of embodiment that prefigured modern concepts of 'norms' and 'the normal'.. King Lear engages with these emerging modes of knowledge, revealing a genealogy of normality rooted in universalizing reasoning rather than shared conduct.
- What research method was used?
- Historical and literary analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2009 journal from South Central Review.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When defining user personas or design specifications, research the historical context of the standards you are adopting and consider how they might exclude certain user groups.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focuses on a specific historical period and literary work, and its findings may not directly translate to all design contexts without further adaptation.