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c/worldbuilding by u/early_riser 1w ago lemmy.world

xenoergonomics critique

23 upvotes 21 comments
OK, y'all know I'm all about xenoergonomics around here. Let's point out everything wrong with what ~~Fox~~ James is wearing in this picture and what I would do instead.

Minor caveat: I'm extrapolating some of this from what I know of dog anatomy and behavior, so I could be wrong.

First, his helmet. What is it covering? I've already ranted about exposed ears on animal characters, namely that they themselves would never design a piece of protective headgear that leaves the ears unprotected. However, there's another tidbit to consider. The bones of a fox's skull do not protect the tops of the eyeballs, so he's extra vulnerable.

It's also not clear if that mic boom brushes against his whiskers. Whiskers are very sensitive, and touching them typically results in a reflexive movement away from the stimulus. It's also not clear how he's getting sound output from the headset. There may be an earpiece in his left ear, but I doubt the interior of an arwing is quiet enough to just have a loudspeaker on the helmet or integrated into the cockpit.

Next, those aviator glasses. Setting aside the crappy helmet design, it was smart to depict the glasses attached to the helmet. Yinrih HUD specs have a broad bridge that friction fits against the muzzle, though they wouldn't wear them in a situation like this where they could get easily knocked off. Instead a doggles-like visor is worn.

The last thing I'll complain about is the zipper on his jacket. I have to wonder if the teeth get caught in his neck fur. Yinrih go nekkid where possible, but clothing fasteners, such as on rain gear or cold weather gear would probably use snaps, magnets, laces, or ~~velcro~~ St. Starlight's Fabric[^1].

[^1]: named for its inventor, Saint Starlight, a research monk, botanist, and healer who lived during the yinrih's age of aviation. She was inspired by the plant burs that would stick to her fur.
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