Unisex design, also known as gender-neutral or gender-inclusive design, focuses on creating products, environments, and experiences that are accessible and appealing to people of all genders. While there isn't a specific academic discipline called "Unisex Design," several subjects are relevant to understanding and practising gender-inclusive design principles. Here are some subjects that are often associated with unisex design:
Gender Studies: Gender studies explore the social, cultural, and historical aspects of gender and its impact on society. Understanding the complexities of gender identity and expression is essential for developing inclusive design practices.
Sociology: Sociology examines how society and social groups function. Studying sociological concepts helps designers understand how gender norms and stereotypes shape people's experiences and influences their design decisions.
Psychology: Psychology explores human behaviour, cognition, and perception. It helps designers understand how individuals relate to and interact with products and environments, including how gender influences their preferences and experiences.
Anthropology: Anthropology studies human cultures and societies across time and space. By understanding diverse cultural perspectives on gender, designers can create inclusive designs that resonate with a wide range of people.
Fashion Design: Fashion design plays a significant role in unisex design, as it aims to create clothing and accessories that can be worn by people of any gender. It focuses on breaking down traditional gendered fashion norms and creating inclusive and versatile designs.
Industrial/Product Design: Industrial or product design involves the creation of physical products. Unisex design principles applied in this field aim to develop products that are accessible and usable by people of all genders, considering factors like body shapes, sizes, and functional needs.
User Experience (UX) Design: UX design focuses on creating meaningful and inclusive experiences for users. In the context of unisex design, UX designers consider how gender can influence users' interactions with digital interfaces, services, or products and work to eliminate biases and create inclusive experiences.
These subjects provide a foundation for understanding the societal, cultural, and individual factors that influence gender-inclusive design. However, it's important to note that unisex design is an interdisciplinary field, and expertise in various other domains such as architecture, graphic design, and communication design can also contribute to creating inclusive and gender-neutral designs.
