ENCOURAGING REFLECTION ON GENDER BIAS IN DESIGN EDUCATION

DS 110: Proceedings of the 23rd International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education (E&PDE 2021), VIA Design, VIA University in Herning, Denmark. 9th -10th September 2021

Year: 2021
Editor: Grierson, Hilary; Bohemia, Erik; Buck, Lyndon
Author: Lillegård, May Helen; Trondsen, June Kyong; Boks, Casper
Series: E&PDE
Institution: Department of Design, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
Section: Addressing Ethical and Social Issues in Design Education
DOI number: 10.35199/EPDE.2021.27
ISBN: 978-1-912254-14-9

Abstract

Gender stereotypes still dominate modern society, despite of an ongoing shift of ideas and ideals relating gender roles. Whilst design impacts our perceptions on gender roles, today’s design education lacks the tools to help design students reflect upon the topic from different perspectives, and to reflect on their own likelihood to gender stereotype. This paper summarizes insights from a literature review, addressing terminology, the evolution of gender roles, the current status of gender bias in design, and current solutions, tools and mindsets for addressing it. Based on these insights, this paper considers various approaches to introduce the topic in design education and proposes a workshop about gender bias in design as a practical yet effective way to start making up for this lack.

Keywords: design practice, gender roles, gender system, stereotypes, bias, behaviour

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