HAVE YOU HAD YOUR HAIR CUT?
June 23, 2024A LOT GOING ON TODAY
July 21, 2024That’s what I ask “strangers” when I’m traveling alone (without my family), for example for a lecture, and I can’t make the last step of my zipper.
This can be in the hallway of the hotel or in the ladies’ room.
People are happy to help. Luckily.
What I always ask myself, however, is: Why do women often need help getting dressed?
This does not have to be conscious, but I notice a system.
My thesis on the topic of “Diversity and Ethics in Design and Technology” is also about designing products and solutions in such a way that we use the skills of the users in the sense of the “Capability Approach”.
Expand users.
The goal is for people to realize themselves through the use of our solutions and not be unnecessarily restricted.
But I had forgotten something that had affected me for decades.
Once I asked my husband if he could help me with a zipper. Sadly, I remarked:
“It’s strange that you never ask for help.” “Isn’t it funny that we women need help where it’s not necessary?” He also sadly noted how we limit ourselves through these and similar designs.
The next day I talked to my seamstress and gave her as a requirement for the future: If zipper or buttons, then only where I can reach myself.
Of course, it is up to me as a “user” to pay attention to this. However, the fact is: Most dresses have the zipper at the back. My husband doesn’t need any help from me to get dressed. That makes me very thoughtful.
Designs that constantly require the help of others do not contribute to independence and thus not to an inclusive society.
How do you see that?
Do you have any other examples from everyday life?