Uncanny mechanics: industrial design and the threatened body

The relation between the body and technology is well known, yet this complex relationship’s relevance to industrial design is less known. Freud’s well-known ‘The Uncanny’ stood as a classic theory among psychologists and social scientists. In this article I will stress the importance of Freud’s theory in better understanding the connection between the designer and the end-user. This bond will be highlighted via case studies dealing primarily with the ‘other body,’ the unhealthy or hurt body. Furthermore, Freud’s theory will echo current trends of social or inclusive design.