“I’m interested in the invisibility of the design scripts that are hidden within objects we use every day that channel certain stereotypes,” says Central St Martins course leader Betti Marenko. Looking around there are plenty of design objects embedded with gender stereotypes – from the ubiquitous fail of Bic for Her pens to Nika Zupanc’s “feminine” gold chair for Moooi.
The Golden Chair, designed by Nika Zupanc for Moooi. Photo by Andrew Meredith.
February 12th, 2019
When Nika Zupanc designed The Golden Chair for Moooi it was received by the press and the public, like many of the designer’s pieces, as a decidedly “feminine” object – it’s flamboyant gold colour drawing comparisons to thrones and decorative rather than functional objects. That same object in black, however, becomes a strikingly sober and minimal object, and – many would argue – more masculine. Even in today’s world of shifting gender identities, something as simple as a colour change can cause an object to take on different connotations.
“Some of my work was very misunderstood by the public and journalists,” said Zupanc during a panel discussion organised by Disegno last year titled “Objects in Drag”. “I like to work with icons or strong symbols – a colour or visual element – [but] I take the predominant meaning out of the context and use it in a way where this meaning becomes something new; where it becomes genderless. I want to equalise the feminine and masculine gender codes.” Unlike other objects that have gender coding within their design in an attempt to market them – remember the “Bic for Her” pens debacle back in 2012? – Zupanc is attempting to disrupt and question how we perceive gender.
Perhaps, however, it is wishful thinking to believe that it is possible to create objects that won’t be perceived through the cultural lens of gender stereotypes. “We don’t live in a world where gender is abolished,” said Nina Power, senior lecturer in philosophy at the University of Roehampton, during the discussion. “We live in a world where gender is performed constantly, is reinforced all the time… there are social penalties for not conforming in certain ways.”
And, it’s far from a simple discussion. While it is arguably meaningless to attach gender to an object like Zupanc’s chair (which is the point she is making by introducing such blatant gender coding) or to a ballpoint pen, there are other objects that must address gender in order to be inclusive.
Betti Marenko, course leader in Contextual Studies on the BA Product Design course at Central St Martins, raised the example of the crash test dummy. Since the 1940s, the dummies have been designed around the proportions of the average American male. It wasn’t until 2011 that a female crash test dummy was introduced – despite studies showing that the same accident would be 47 per cent more serious for a female than a male. “I’m interested in the invisibility of the design scripts that are hidden within objects we use every day that channel certain stereotypes,” she said. “Sometimes they are just a little bit misogynistic, sometimes they cause injury.”
All of this arguably leads back to the larger issue of representation within the design industry and the question of who is behind these objects that either blatantly uses gender stereotypes for commercial benefit or disregard the specificity of certain experiences and responses, often those of females or minority groups. The real question is, as posed by Power during the discussion: “How do we recognise differences but not tie people to them?”
Want more stories on gender in design? Read about Patricia Urquiola’s Gender chair here. And join our mailing list for all the latest updates.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
For Living Edge, B-Corp certification was the next appropriate step in a long journey focused on building a truly sustainable and socially responsible business. In 2023 they achieved certification at their first pass, giving customers a new level of environmental assurance and the company an important milestone to celebrate across two decades of staff-led, sector-leading sustainability practices.
The new terminal interiors at the Hamilton Kirikiriroa Airport celebrate the beauty to be found in transition and a connection to the local identity of New Zealand.
We can’t get enough of this outdoor timber chair – the Sun Lounge – presented at FIND Design Fair Asia. Designed for superior comfort and longevity – Jarrod Lim’s newest seating piece was on show at the fair’s EMERGE showcase.
Designer Ross Gardam recently teamed up with Stylecraft to present a series of events that focused on select Ross Gardam designs and new releases, all available at Stylecraft.
Barry Jenkins has created the Venue Tables range based on principles of modularity, simplicity and sustainability – and they’re available exclusively through TCW in Australia.
Viccarbe’s design furniture concepts draw inspiration from the vibrant spirit of Valencia and have revolutionised interiors across the globe. Featuring celebrated designers such as John Pawson and internationally acclaimed collections, Viccarbe offers a contemporary perspective on modern commercial and residential spaces.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Solari Architects has recently relocated to 191 Cuba Street, joining the Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Architecture. The two-storey office fit-out blends modern functionality with local heritage.
This year’s Good Design Awards winners have been announced at the 65th rendition of the annual event celebrating Australian design.