How Gender-specific Experience is Treated in UX Research and Design?

Student: Bezvershenko Sofia

Faculty: Saint-Petersburg School of Social Sciences

Educational Programme: Sociology and Social Informatics (Bachelor)

Year of Graduation: 2024

This paper investigates reasons why the product design may get gender-biased, practices of working with gender-specific experiences in user experience (UX) research and design to improve the inclusivity of digital products, as well as the social background of such difference in experiences rooted in gender and sex differences. Based on literature review and expert interviews with UX specialists from Russia, an instrument was developed to assist UX specialists in evaluating the gender inclusivity of digital products. By providing a structured framework for assessing how well gender-specific experiences are considered in product development, the check-list guides professionals in identifying potential areas for improvement. The study highlights the significance of addressing gender differences in product development and contributes to advancing gender-inclusive design principles in UX research and product development.

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