Considered the founder of industrial design and pioneer of a design approach that rigorously put people first, Henry Dreyfuss shares insightful lessons from his legendary career. From the first answering machine ("the electronic brain") and the Hoover vacuum cleaner to the SS Independence and the Bell telephone that are depicted here, Dreyfuss's creations have shaped the cultural landscape of the 20th century like few other designers before or after him. Designed from the master's own hand, the book offers an inviting mix of professional advice, case studies and design history along with historical black-and-white photos and the author's whimsical drawings. Key chapters include a brief history of industrial design and the concepts behind "Joe and Josephine", the author's famous anthropometrical models; classic design principles, such as the importance of testing and the "Five-Point Formula" for good design; and the role of the designer as a business person, from knowing when to accept a commission to budgeting questions and cultivating client relationships. Written in a robust, fresh style, the book offers inspiration to both designers and design-interested laymen. In addition, the author's uncompromising commitment to public service, ethics and design responsibility make his book a timely read for any designer seeking to define his or her role in today's industrial design community.

Praise for the first edition:

Gold Medal Winner for Design Explorations
–Business Week’s Annual Design Awards

"The Measure of Man and Woman is a critical reference that is a must for every design school and office. It is elegant in its simplicity and usability. Once again, the Henry Dreyfuss team makes a major contribution to the profession!"
–Herb Tyrnauer, FIDSA

"The Measure of Man and Woman is a major contribution to the understanding of anthropometric and ergonomic realities that influence the design process. It is a vital reference document that not only informs, but provokes an awareness of and a sensitivity to complex and composite issues. Not since Le Corbusier’s more subjective and interpretive Le Modulor has there been a comprehensive reevaluation of man and woman’s occupation of space and the subsequent implications, responsibilities, and possibilities."
–Charles Gwathmey, FAIA, architect

The Measure of Man and Woman provides a comprehensive resource of critical information for creating products and environments that will suit the physical dimensions of people across the globe and with varying abilities. The revised edition of this classic volume includes more than 200 color drawings, up-to-date information on designing for the digital workplace, measurements for ADA compliance, a demo disk for ErgoForms–an ergonomic CAD program on CD-ROM–and much more.