Gender Perspectives for a Renewed Design Culture

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Frontmatter

2. Women In/And Science

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Towards a Cultural Change: The Role of Academia

      Valeria Bucchetti

      Abstract

      This text proposes a reflection on the role assumed by the Interuniversity Research Center on Gender Cultures in the construction of a program of actions, which promotes gender perspective as a fundamental analytical category. By describing the objectives and purposes of the Centre, we examine the contribution that the university can make to the cultural change necessary to overcome the gender discrimination deeply rooted in our society. The multidisciplinary vision promoted by the Center constitutes one of the essential cornerstones, just as the role played by design is of relevance in this context, which, by its nature, is a point of convergence, a connector of different knowledge. But it is also appropriate to consider the strategic role played by the Centre, which has favored the growth of knowledge and the establishment of research groups within each university and which has strengthened thanks to the network and its relationships precisely, facilitating the development of awareness projects such as the University against gender violence described in the text as a model of interaction and dialogue.

   3. Beyond Borders: Network Synergy in Gender Studies

      Sveva Magaraggia

      Abstract

      This paper examines a possible institutionalized embodiment of the discipline of Gender Studies and does so from within the Italian context. The development of Gender Studies within the Italian academic context is examined, particularly focusing on the challenges and advantages of its non-institutionalized status. Unlike the trajectory observed in many Western academic institutions, where second-wave feminist scholars opted for institutionalization through the creation of Women’s and Gender Studies departments and degree programs, Italian scholars have predominantly followed a path of mainstreaming, integrating gender perspectives into existing disciplines rather than creating separate institutional structures. As a result, Gender Studies in Italy remains inherently interdisciplinary, situated between different academic fields and constantly engaged with feminist theories and critiques, adapting them to disciplinary contexts. This interdisciplinary nature is further enriched by ongoing dialogues with social movements, often characterized by positive conflicts. Such contentious dialogues contribute to a critical production of knowledge, ensuring that the feminist agenda remains responsive to new themes, perspectives, and forms of solidarity.

   4. Academics Working from Home: Spatial Relations Between Men and Women

      Alessandra Migliore

      Abstract

      Flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid models and work-from-home policies, are having an impressive impact on academia. These contemporary working styles are not only altering how academic work is conducted but also influencing scientists’ productivity and creativity outcomes in gender-specific ways. When academics engage in their professional activities from home, the utilization of domestic spaces plays a crucial role in their productivity and creativity. This research shows that there is a differential effect of the workspace observed between genders, with men often being more able to use space to favor their academic work. This phenomenon can be attributed to the broader socio-cultural dynamics at play, where domestic spaces materialize and reinforce existing gender relations. As academic tasks, such as performing research, become intertwined with home life, they manifest prevailing gender norms and expectations. This intersection of work and domestic life demands further investigation from both research and design practices to foster equitable outcomes across genders in the evolving academic workplace.

   5. Mapping the Evolution of Italian Design Through the Lens of Scientific Research: A Gender Perspective

      Gianluca Carella, Francesco Zurlo

      Abstract

      Design is a complex discipline with several areas of action. To outline a picture of the recent years’ situation—with respect to the contributions made in the Italian panorama—we chose to study the data of the National Scientific Habilitation, which is necessary to apply for permanent positions of Full and Associate Professor in Italian Universities, in the field of Design. The study focused exclusively on the publications submitted by female candidates to evaluate “Article 7” during the second-last round of national habilitations. The decision to focus on “Article 7” is because those publications represent a subset of scientific works that each candidate considers the most appropriate in defining their scientific profile and research focus. Therefore, the chapter aims to provide a picture of the main thematic focuses within the design sector, outlining the main topics discussed inside the scientific community with specific attention on female academics.

3. Women for Design/Design for Women

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Invisible Designers: Addressing the Gender Gap in Design Professions

      Carla Sedini

      Abstract

      This chapter proposes a careful reflection that emerged from the observation that, in Italian, the word for designer (progettista) works in both masculine and feminine terms (it is a neutral noun), but in reality, it seems that many young women who embark on careers in design professions tend to disappear from the professional landscape over time. The chapter examines the dual nature of design as both an art and a science, emphasizing its potential to enhance female participation in design professions. Through an analysis of statistical data, the chapter highlights the disparity between female and male representation in design education and professional environments, particularly within Italy. The chapter underscores the significance of women's presence in design for fostering equitable societies and dismantling stereotypes. Insights are drawn from qualitative conversations with female design professionals, revealing systemic barriers such as wage inequality, career progression limitations, and the impact of traditional gender roles on professional development. This chapter advocates for structural changes within the design industry, promoting mentorship, inclusive leadership, and critical education to empower women designers.

   3. Service Design is Woman. An Inquiry on the Massive Presence of Women in the Service Design Field

      Daniela Selloni

      Abstract

      This chapter stems from the evidence of a fact: the largest number of graduates in service design or related disciplines is female, and this also happens in the professional field. An inquiry has been conducted to better understand this issue, combining quantitative and qualitative data: on one side, ten design schools all over the world were asked about their percentage of women among service design students; on the other, five in-depth interviews were done with practitioners coming from different experiences in the consultancy area. Then, four hypotheses about the cause of this fact are proposed, and they provocatively overlap with four widespread gender stereotypes: empathy, as women are considered particularly good at exercising it; multitasking, as women are generally considered better at it; aversion to STEM as women usually stay away from these subjects; social purpose, as women are generally inclined to deal with social issues. Such hypotheses/stereotypes are discussed based on the conversations conducted with the five interviewees and on the connected scientific literature: they are still under discussion, but some of them present interesting elements that would lead to their confirmation. At the end of the chapter, a reflection is presented about women’s leadership in the service design field, and a possible roadmap to grow it is suggested: it is about better valuing some abilities like listening, understanding, facilitating, orchestrating the overall experience and, above all, the ability to ‘stay in the process’ without having immediate results and navigate the contemporary complexity.

   4. Design and Sustainability: An Eco-feminist Perspective

      Mattia Italia, Carla Sedini

      Abstract

      This chapter explores the intricate intersections of eco-feminism, design, and sustainability, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding and applying eco-feminist principles in design practice. Rooted in feminist and environmentalist ideologies, eco-feminism links the exploitation of women and nature to systemic structures of oppression, advocating for social and ecological liberation. The chapter introduces Eco-feminist Design, a transformative approach that integrates care, intersectionality, and plurality into the design process. Emphasizing collaboration and systemic thinking, Eco-feminist Design transcends traditional human-centered methods to include marginalized groups and non-human actors. Case studies highlight diverse applications of eco-feminist principles, spanning tangible products, services, and community-driven initiatives, categorized within a dynamic matrix. This matrix organizes design solutions along two axes—hard/soft and woman/plural/more-than-human—revealing patterns in how feminist and environmental concerns converge in design. The analysis demonstrates the potential of Eco-feminist Design to challenge capitalist, technocentric norms and promote cultural and societal transformation. While still emerging, this approach bridges theory and practice, fostering inclusive, sustainable, and context-sensitive solutions. By integrating feminist ethics and ecological care into design, eco-feminist design redefines the role of designers, not merely as creators but as facilitators of systemic and cultural evolution toward a just, equitable, and sustainable world.

   5. Boundary Objects: Reimagining Design for Longevity and Gender Equality

      Sheng-Hung Lee

      Abstract

      In the era of longevity and experience economy, our social infrastructure has been reshaped by disruptive demographic shifts, the aging population, emerging immersive technologies, climate change, digital transformation, evolving education platforms, and many other factors. Consequently, the Design for Longevity (D4L) perspective has emerged as a pivotal lens, offering individuals comprehensive insights to navigate the complicated, systemic challenges that intertwine social, technological, cultural, and political issues, including gender equality. This study leveraged boundary objects, known for their interpretive flexibility, to enable the integration and exchange of knowledge. This flexibility allows for various interpretations to emerge from the same information and facilitates translation across individuals or communities from diverse backgrounds. Specifically, the author utilized 12 Design for Longevity (D4L) cards as boundary objects and applied a think-aloud methodology in six participatory workshops, combining the results with surveys and semi-structured interviews. These cards elicited participants’ narratives and perceptions related to D4L and facilitated their collective sense-making and knowledge translation with respect to gender equality (GE). The research explored the potential and limitations of D4L cards as boundary objects in empowering individuals to envision their future selves within the contexts of D4L and GE from three studies in collaboration with the Taiwan Design Research Institute in Taipei, Taiwan, the Design Management program at Macromedia University in Cologne, Germany, and the Social Design Hub at the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Innovation Center in Budapest, Hungary.

   6. Navigating Menopause Through Design. Participatory Pathways to Innovation

      Linda Shore

      Abstract

      The Chronology of a woman determines numerous transitions across her lifespan. Menopause is a transition that begins with subtle changes that may not be noticeable several years prior to menopause; yet, it impacts the ageing experience. Design and participatory approaches have demonstrated how we can collaborate to define and determine pathways that offer innovative solutions across social, work, and health settings. ‘Design Your Menopause Life’ encourages autonomy, curiosity, and support as a woman documents, diaries, and expresses her experience with an awareness of support and empowerment through peers, technologies, and professionals. This chapter will discuss the rationale for instigating, designing, developing, and delivering three concepts aimed at encouraging a call to women to create their journey as they navigate perimenopause and menopause with an awareness of peer and professional support through innovative digital and analog tools and events. These solutions are conceived to offset and alleviate some chronic or age-related conditions, enhancing quality of life and informing policy in work and social settings.

4. Gender in the City/The City Through Gender

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Urban Life, Emerging Voices, and the Negotiation of Everyday Space

      Carolina Pacchi

      Abstract

      The chapter explores the relationships between gender, urban space, and urban policies under the lens of the different voices that make diversity visible and tangible in contemporary cities. It will first focus on the daily experience of urban space and then propose a critical reflection on the role of urban planning and urban policies vis-à-vis the growing diversity of local societies. The final section will briefly explore the situated relationship between gendered voices and the production of urban space, looking at different sectors and dimensions of urban life.

   3. Systemic Proximity Approach to Empower Migrant Women. A Situated Case Study in Milan

      Silvia D’Ambrosio, Carla Sedini, Fernanda Ignacia Dib Yovich

      Abstract

      This chapter explores how the conceptual and design framework of Systemic Proximity can be applied to foster social inclusion and empowerment of migrant women. Focused on the Archive Project in Milan—a community hub supporting migrant women—as a case study, the research examines how participatory approaches can facilitate collaboration, innovation, and the creation of inclusive urban ecosystems. These methods enabled the involvement of participants in co-research and co-design workshops to develop services promoting collaboration, agency, and social integration. The study reveals how design processes can address the needs of vulnerable communities in gentrified urban environments. The findings highlight the transformative potential of integrating systemic design practices to foster resilience and community empowerment.

   4. Fear in Public Space: Mapping the City as a Collective Practice

      Florencia Andreola, Azzurra Muzzonigro

      Abstract

      The experience of female bodies in public spaces is often different and more problematic than that of males for various reasons, particularly due to a heightened sense of insecurity when they are outside of domestic walls, especially at night, compared to men. Space is not neutral, nor are maps, which instead always convey a specific perspective and imply a political positioning. This essay explores the use of collectively constructed mappings as a specific tool to address fear in a broad sense, discussing both the challenges and the potential of this practice to overcome the constrained geographies that women impose on their daily routes. Moreover, it explores how urban design can help make cities feel safer for women and gender minorities, and how it can support participatory processes. The aim is to ensure that the concept of the “right to the city” can be realized with an intersectional perspective through the free use of public space, not necessarily regulated or limited to mere consumption, where all bodies can feel welcome despite differences.

   5. Queering the City: Reclaiming Space Between Spontaneous Actions and Design Practices

      Laura Galluzzo, Valentina Ferreri

      Abstract

      The reclaim of the term queer has operated since the 90s as a real cultural revolution, starting from the sphere of activism up to contaminating different areas of academic research with its critical and revolutionary approach. Queer thought and marginalized identities have historically been linked to the city and its spaces. Therefore, the topic of queer space has been treated especially by geographers, urbanists, and sociologists, who have been open to contamination with Queer Studies for several decades. However, the intersection between the latter and the world of design remains to be explored, particularly in the urban spatial dimension. This chapter illustrates an overview of the various meanings of queer and its links with the spatial urban dimensions and offers some examples between spontaneous autonomous actions and design projects that queer public space, interrogating the role of queer adopted as an epistemological lens to transform design for public urban spaces.