Big business: rising obesity rates add up to a growing industry in plus-size design

Article Abstract:

Obesity is a trend that is influencing almost every product and creating new ones. A detailed description of the market trends and issues involved in creating designs for obese is presented where unlike marketers, who tend to think in terms of the average consumer, designers need to think about the potential users at the ends of the spectrum.

Forecasts, trends, outlooks, Forecasts and trends, Influence, Obesity, Market trend/market analysis

Technology: Shape up and ship out

Article Abstract:

The process of mass production is presented in relation to its overproduction due to miscalculated demand. Design for manufacturing foresees a day, that would replace mass manufacturing with rapid production, based on the rapid prototyping tools currently used by everyone from aerospace engineers to architects.

Production management, Manufacturing industry, Manufacturing industries

Another fine mesh: Humanscale's soon-to-be-released Liberty chair will feature a textile that cradles and supports the back

Article Abstract:

Elizabeth Whelan is working with ergonomics legend Niels Diffrient, to develop the mesh for Humanscale's new Liberty chair slated for release in 2004. The mesh named Luminesce is much more than a decorative covering and forms an integral part of the chairs support mechanism.

Product introduction, New Products/Services, Ergonomics, Chair design, Ergonomic aid, Humanscale