Data is fundamental to our world today. From healthcare to safety measures and creating public spaces, we rely on facts and figures to make crucial decisions. Gender data bias is an issue that has increasingly gained attention in recent years due to the emergence of data driven decision-making in various fields, especially with the prevalence that artificial intelligence is gaining.
The term ‘data bias’ refers to the systematic exclusion of gender from data collection, analysis, and interpretation, which leads to biased outcomes that favor men over women. This comes into play because data is not collected about women at the same rate it is collected about men. This discrepancy in data collection can be attributed to the fact that throughout human history, man has been seen as the default for everything and woman as an extension of the former.
These biases have been ingrained into our daily lives and subsequently, integrated into the systems we have created.
Gender data gaps exist in every facet of our lives. Caroline Perez writes in her book Invisible Women, “Most of recorded human history is one big data gap. The stories we tell ourselves about our past, present and future are all marked-disfigured-by a female-shaped absent presence.” These gaps have consequences ranging from minor inconveniences such as not being able to hold a phone comfortably or shivering in an office that is set to a male temperature norm to entirely fatal such as misdiagnosed health conditions and being more likely to die in a car crash.
Gender data gaps exist in every facet of our lives. Caroline Perez writes in her book Invisible Women, “Most of recorded human history is one big data gap. The stories we tell ourselves about our past, present and future are all marked-disfigured-by a female-shaped absent presence.” These gaps have consequences ranging from minor inconveniences such as not being able to hold a phone comfortably or shivering in an office that is set to a male temperature norm to entirely fatal such as misdiagnosed health conditions and being more likely to die in a car crash.
Gender data bias represents a prevalent and wide-ranging concern that profoundly impacts the lives of women. It is an unequivocal assertion that the collection and utilization of data pertaining to women and their experiences are not progressing at an adequate pace nor being effectively leveraged. The persistent data gap observed in relation to women’s experiences is not necessarily indicative of a deliberate and malicious tactic aimed at impeding their progress. Rather, it is a reflection of how historical circumstances have shaped the current state of affairs.
my realization regarding the absence of deliberate malice behind the gender data gap was only reached after confronting
my own biases concerning the prevailing structure of our world. However, the undeniable reality remains that, in the year 2023, men still predominantly hold positions of authority in shaping the collection and processing of data. Statistics
from the UIS indicate that women constitute less than 30% of the global research community.
my own biases concerning the prevailing structure of our world. However, the undeniable reality remains that, in the year 2023, men still predominantly hold positions of authority in shaping the collection and processing of data. Statistics
from the UIS indicate that women constitute less than 30% of the global research community.
Through my research and discussions with peers, I observed that many of them are not even aware of the existence of this data gap, let alone grasp the extent of its detrimental impact on women.
The lack of recognition regarding this issue may stem from the fact that for half of the population, who have not experienced the repercussions caused by the gender data gap, it remains an inconspicuous matter. Conversely, for the other half, the pervasiveness of this gap has normalized its presence to the point where it is no longer recognized as a problem. Even individuals in positions of influence who possess a genuine desire to effect positive change may find themselves hampered by their lack of awareness regarding this issue.
With this realization, I decided to contribute to addressing this research gap by raising awareness and facilitating the introspection necessary for individuals to confront their biases, just as I have done throughout my own research journey. My intention is to foster a deeper understanding among individuals, encouraging them to effectuate meaningful changes within their respective spheres of influence.
I came up with three potential approaches: A website, a game, or an interactive museum exhibition. As I researched these potential design interventions, I realized that a website could, to an extent, implement the other two solutions as well along with the added benefit of the fact that a website wouldn’t be restricted by access and all the information I’m trying to convey would be available in one space. Upon conducting further research, I decided to transform this website into a platform that transcends the archival presentation of facts, figures, and graphs. I wanted individuals to be able to experience the impact of the problems stemming from the gender data gap.
User Journey
The hook that I devised for my own project entailed the integration of a collection of challenging mini games, deliberately designed to be unbeatable. Drawing inspiration from examples of impossible games such as Flappy Bird and Getting Over It, I sought to amplify the frustration to mirror the feelings experienced by people while navigating through an environment that predominantly caters to the male perspective. This deliberate inclusion of unattainable objectives aims to elicit a heightened sense of challenge and engagement within the project, promoting a unique and memorable user experience.
The user journey map ensures that users not only gain awareness of the gender data gap but also feel connected, informed, and inspired to advocate for change.
The Games
Outlined below is one concept of a mini game for the website’s inaugural page. The game showcases meticulously crafted visuals, serving as a definitive representation of the intended game design aesthetic, thereby facilitating a more immersive and comprehensive understanding.
Cop In The Garden
This game draws inspiration from the account of Zeynep Tufekci, a researcher at the University of North Carolina. In 2013, during a walk through Gezi Park in Turkey, Zeynep found herself amidst a chaotic situation as law enforcement officials deployed tear gas against the peaceful protestors and civilians present. While attempting to document the incident and protect herself from the gas, she encountered difficulties in capturing usable photographs. She attributed this challenge to the size of her phone, which proved cumbersome to handle with a single hand. She wrote that the reason for this was simply because good smartphones are designed for male hands. In this game, the objective is for the player to successfully capture three photographs of a concealed policeman in a garden setting, before time runs out. The gameplay mechanics introduce progressive challenges related to taking these photographs. Initially, capturing the first picture is straightforward. However, the second photo presents a moderate level of difficulty, requiring more effort from the player. Ultimately, the third photo proves to be impossible to capture due to the character’s physical limitations, specifically their thumb’s inability to reach the designated button. The game will end with an informative exposition that sheds light on the narrative that served as its inspiration, offering additional context regarding the issue of smartphone designs favoring male hand sizes.
Branding
I have chosen to name this project “Mind The Gap” to underscore its objective of fostering widespread awareness regarding the substantial disparity in data collection practices between genders. The distinctive design of the logo draws inspiration from the artistic vision of Barbra Kruger, a renowned American visual and graphic designer. To strike a balance between visual impact and approachability, the bold San Serif font was complemented with a serif element that infuse a sense of modernity and accessibility into the branding. Aligned with the overarching concept of modernity and approachability, a carefully curated color palette was selected to embody this theme. The harmonious combination of warm orange and yellow tones, juxtaposed with cool purples, creates a visually pleasing ensemble that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also lends an approachable essence to the overall design.
The Website
User Testing
For the user testing section I employed the “Product Emotion Measurement” (PREMO). This is a framework used to assess and quantify the emotional responses evoked by a product or service (Desmet, 2012). It aims to capture and analyze the emotional impact of a product on users, providing valuable insights to businesses and designers.
The participants involved in this assessment were chosen from three distinct user groups: Participant 1 possessed a
comprehensive understanding of the gender data bias, participant 2 demonstrated a moderate level of familiarity with the topic, while participant 3 exhibited limited or no prior knowledge regarding the subject matter.
comprehensive understanding of the gender data bias, participant 2 demonstrated a moderate level of familiarity with the topic, while participant 3 exhibited limited or no prior knowledge regarding the subject matter.
Participant 1
Participant 2
Participant 3
Limitations
Firstly, it is important to recognize that individuals who hold firm convictions, whether related to the patriarchal system or women’s societal roles, may be resistant to change or new perspectives, regardless of the medium used to convey information. It is essential to acknowledge that altering deeply ingrained beliefs requires a concerted effort across various platforms and initiatives, extending beyond the scope of a single project. Moreover, it is crucial to recognize the immense complexity and scale of the gender data gap as a systemic issue. While this project endeavors to shed light on the problem and offer insights, it is vital to acknowledge that the gender data gap is deeply rooted in historical, social, and cultural factors. Effectively addressing this multifaceted issue necessitates a collective and sustained commitment from diverse stakeholders across multiple domains.
This project serves as a catalyst for broader conversations and actions that are imperative to effect meaningful change. Swift and decisive strides must be taken on various front, including policy reform, data collection methodologies, and public awareness campaigns. Only through extensive and collaborative efforts can we hope to make a tangible difference and create a more equitable and inclusive society.
