The book deals with a wide spectrum of historical and contemporary subjects: the standardization of tools, the food processing industry as an example, the development of ready-made clothing and the sizing system, Taylorism in the American household, the inception of professional ergonomics, the introduction of colour systems, the standardization of sound and vision carriers, and the acceptance of an array of 'classics', from pens to boats and cars to watches. Exhibition: Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, 8 May - 15 August 2010; Zeche Zollverein, Essen, 28 August - 19 October 2010.