Gender bias in product design is more pervasive than most people realize. From smartphones and seatbelts to voice assistants and medical equipment, many everyday items were created with a default male user in mind, often ignoring the needs, bodies, and experiences of women and non-binary people.
This silent oversight isn’t just inconvenient—it can be dangerous, exclusionary, and deeply rooted in how products are researched, tested, and brought to market. Fortunately, a growing movement in design and engineering is rethinking the status quo. The result? Products that work better for everyone.
Here are ten pivotal objects that challenge gender bias in product design and offer a glimpse into a more inclusive future.
What Is Gender Bias in Product Design?
Gender bias in product design refers to the tendency to prioritize male norms, measurements, or preferences during the design, testing, and marketing stages of a product. This results in tools, technologies, and environments that may not accommodate the full spectrum of human needs, particularly those of women, trans, or non-binary individuals.
Why does this happen? For decades, men dominated design and engineering professions. User data was collected using male test subjects, and assumptions about “average users” excluded critical perspectives. The consequences range from uncomfortable fits to life-threatening risks.
10 Objects That Challenge Gender Bias in Product Design
1. Redesigned Crash Test Dummies
Most crash test dummies historically modeled the average male body, ignoring differences in female anatomy, bone density, and posture. As a result, women were found to be 73% more likely to be injured in car crashes. New dummies based on female physiology are being adopted to improve automotive safety across the board.
2. Inclusive PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and vests often doesn’t fit women properly. Oversized or poorly fitting equipment can reduce protection and performance. Companies are now producing PPE in multiple sizes and shapes to better accommodate diverse body types, making jobs in construction, emergency response, and healthcare safer for women.
3. Voice Recognition Systems
Many voice assistants and speech-to-text systems are trained predominantly on male voices. This bias results in lower accuracy for women and people with higher-pitched tones or regional accents. Inclusive datasets and AI training are helping reduce this disparity, allowing for broader, more accurate speech interaction.
4. Smartphones
Smartphones have steadily increased in size, often becoming difficult for people with smaller hands—primarily women—to hold or use one-handed. Some tech companies are responding by designing ergonomically friendly models and offering size variations that cater to different hand sizes.
5. Medical Devices and Clinical Trials
Historically, women have been underrepresented in medical trials. Devices and medications tested predominantly on men may not work as effectively—or safely—for women. The movement for gender-specific clinical testing is gaining momentum, improving outcomes in everything from drug dosage to heart disease diagnostics.
6. Tools and Hardware
Standard tools are often too large, heavy, or unbalanced for people with smaller hands and less upper-body strength. Brands like HerToolbelt now offer tools ergonomically designed for women, making home repairs and construction more accessible and less hazardous.
7. Office Thermostats
Office temperatures are often calibrated based on male metabolic rates, leaving women freezing at their desks. New adaptive HVAC systems that account for varied temperature needs are helping workplaces become more comfortable and inclusive.
8. Athletic Gear and Sportswear
Much of the gear used in sports—from cleats to helmets to bicycles—was initially designed for men. Poorly fitting equipment can lead to discomfort and injury. Athletic brands are finally investing in products tailored to the unique anatomy and performance needs of female athletes.
9. Emergency Kits and Period Products
Disaster preparedness kits have often overlooked menstrual products. In emergencies, this oversight becomes a major hygiene and dignity issue. More inclusive designs now incorporate period care, reflecting the reality that roughly half the population menstruates.
10. Public Transit Systems
Transit systems in many cities were designed around traditional male commuting patterns, ignoring the caregiving, off-hour travel, and safety concerns that disproportionately affect women. Transit authorities are beginning to redesign systems with lighting, stop locations, and scheduling that better serve all riders.
Why Inclusive Design Matters
Correcting gender bias in product design doesn’t just benefit women—it improves safety, usability, and satisfaction for everyone. Inclusive products often function better across a range of users, including the elderly, disabled, and people with non-standard needs.
When designers embrace diverse perspectives, innovation thrives. Inclusive design also has economic benefits: products that consider broader audiences tend to reach larger markets and receive stronger user loyalty.
What Can Designers and Companies Do?
- Diversify Teams: Inclusion starts with who’s at the table. Bringing in women, non-binary, and BIPOC designers can lead to more empathetic, insightful products.
- Test Inclusively: Don’t assume one-size-fits-all. Collect feedback across demographics to ensure the product performs well for all users.
- Use Disaggregated Data: Break down user behavior and safety stats by gender and body type to uncover hidden gaps.
- Champion Transparency: Share design decisions and data openly. It encourages accountability and invites better questions.
Conclusion: Designing a More Equitable Future
Gender bias in product design has shaped how we interact with the world, often unconsciously. But the tide is turning. As awareness grows and inclusive design principles gain ground, industries are beginning to confront their blind spots—and the result is smarter, safer, and more equitable products.
By rethinking everyday objects—from safety gear to smartphones—we aren’t just solving functional problems. We’re reimagining who design is truly for.
Don’t Miss Out! Get the Latest News, Tips, and Updates from Us!
