Why we need the international Gender Design Network
Design is a substantial part of our everyday world. Therefore it is necessary to bring gender awareness to the design process, to avoid both gender blindness and gender stereotypes.
Not all genders in design (as in others areas as well) enjoy equal participation and esteem. The potential of manifold genders is neither taken into account nor honored appropriately. Also, the impact of gender on the processes of production, distribution and use is still hugely underestimated.
This is disadvantageous for all parties concerned: for society, for designers (of every gender) and for the users of design.
There is already a large number of interest groups in design, but they are mostly concerned with job-specific and design strategy-related matters. Our goal is to empower female and non-binary perspectives in design, on the designer’s as well as on the user’s side.
That’s why we are focusing on gender within the design process especially: how to develop gender sensitive methods and how to implement them into the design process. We are bringing together in a single influential and powerful network all those who have an interest in this issue.
Our Mission
Design influences society and society shapes design.
We explore this relationship through international collaboration, gender-responsive methods and a network dedicated to shared learning.
international
Design is shaped by different cultures, experiences and realities. That’s why the iGDN brings together designers, researchers and institutions from around the world. An international perspective helps us understand how gender operates in diverse contexts and how design can respond with sensitivity, relevance and social impact.
We believe that global exchange strengthens local change.
Gender Design
Gender influences how design is produced, distributed and used, yet it is often overlooked. Our work focuses on integrating gender-sensitive methods into the design process: recognising bias, avoiding stereotypes and developing solutions that include more people. Genderdesign is not a fixed category. It is an open, evolving approach that asks how design can contribute to equality in everyday life.
Network
Change doesn’t happen alone. The iGDN connects people who care about gender and design — from students and practitioners to researchers and industry partners. Together, we share knowledge, develop projects and highlight perspectives that are often underrepresented. The network creates visibility, support and space for new ideas to grow.
Origins
The international Gender Design Network was conceived by Dr. Uta Brandes (Professor of Gender & Design and of Design Research at the Köln International School of Design) and Simone Douglas (Director MFA Fine Arts, Associate Professor of Photography, School of Art, Media and Technology, Parsons The New School for Design, New York).
A Network is only as good as its members. And we have some great ones – come and join us!
Whether you’re a designer, researcher or simply interested in gender and design: we’d love to welcome you and hear your perspective.