At the upcoming 2nd International Conference for Universal Design in Kyoto, The Femme Den will be presenting their position paper “Design and Gender: Thinking About Sex”. Smart Design has been an influential proponent of Universal Design since its inception in the early 1980s. Their work for OXO Good Grips is an often-cited case in point – kitchen tools designed for everyone. The Femme Den initiative exemplifies Smart Design’s innovative efforts to broaden the definition of Universal Design to include the wider topic of Social Responsibility.

Design & Gender: Thinking About Sex
Women have tremendous spending power – up to an estimated 80% of all household purchases. In many product categories, however, women have been adapting to what are basically male-oriented designs. Simply put, men and women are wired differently. They will approach products and services with different priorities, expectations and values. The Femme Den is a Smart Design initiative that is extending our impact in Universal Design to issues regarding gender.

The 2nd International Conference for Universal Design (IAUD) in Kyoto takes place from October 22 through October 26.

For more information on the conference click here.

To learn more about Smart Design and The Femme Den, click here.