A research paper titled “Stepping into the Cobbler’s Shoes: Addressing Their Ergonomic Conditions” authored by Ms. Anushka Mehra, students of Leather Lifestyle and Product Design (LLPD) and co-authored by Ms. Rashi Sharma, student of Fashion Design (FD) both from Noida campus has been published by Springer Publications in the book Responsible and Resilient Design for Society, Volume 10. This accomplishment marks an important academic contribution in the field of human-centric and socially responsive design.
The study examines the daily posture-related challenges faced by roadside cobblers and evaluates the ergonomic stress associated with their working conditions. Using the WERA (Workplace Ergonomic Risk Assessment) tool, the researchers identified high-risk scores across several body regions—especially the back, shoulders, and lower limbs—underscoring the urgent need for a safer and more supportive work setup.
Building on these insights, an ideation-driven design solution was developed to reduce musculoskeletal strain and enhance overall working posture. The proposed concept features posture-supportive seating, improved work height, optimized footrest and tool-placement arrangements, and a more structured micro-workspace aimed at improving both efficiency and comfort.
This research highlights the transformative potential of ergonomics and human-centric design in improving the lives of workers in the informal sector, particularly traditional craft practitioners such as cobblers. It stands as a testament to FDDI’s commitment to socially impactful design innovation.
