Reading: Political Ergonomics

Politics/Political system is in a state of flux. As compared with design which is about making things static (i.e. ideas become matter/form/object).
That objects can be viewed as an expression of political power or will. Things modifying power structures or relationships.

Two schools of materialism: liberalism and marxism (Carl Marx). Political ideologies around the production and distribution of wealth. Material Things. Philosophers Plato and Higer.
[ This ties in with the Things that Matter reading talking about the Platoism of objects ].
Postulating that advancing technology and economic growth is beneficial.

An object could be anything but becomes something - moves from the generic to the particular. "works" - The Human condition - Hannah Arendt's. Vita Activa - the making of things that will endure. Works of art, poetry, architecture, monuments, industrial machinery.

Is this statement true?

Modern political society had ignored or suppressed roles and institutions where citizens could experience freedom by taking part in public life.

Q: Does that happen now? and how?

Design choosing form among possibilities.

Goal: political principles realised in design and construction.
Historical contexts/experience:
1/ statecraft - What is the structure of the best state?
2/ architecture and urban planning?
3/ engineering

Greek lawgivers:
- Solon
- Lycargus?
- Cleithenes?


A constitution - a design of a political system with checks and balances. The separation of powers.

edifice - to build and to instruct. Environmental determinism - the environment shapes you. Christopher Alexander.
[ I have had a read of Christopher Alexander and he is quite and interesting read regrading patterns of living. Would like to revisit him ].

behavioural - features change behaviour like stones in a river change the way water flows. Resonance between material form and civil structures.

Enginerring
democracy - systems, processes, and products available to all. Kodak camera. Bell telephone. Efficiency is relative to a desired goal/outcome i.e. contextual.

political/sociotechnical forms. Political ergonomics.

ergonomic - the shape of a useful instrument is tailored to the human form.

SUMMARY:
to combine all the three approaches: statecraft, architecture, and engineering.
Example given: Volvo

1/ participatory design
2/ disabled equal rights
3/ maxiumum output doesn't include or is considerate of ethical ideals.