Web Gender and how it may effect website design!
Is the internet male or female?
An interesting question! I would say that my temperamental and often stubborn laptop in undoubtedly male!! Isn't it interesting how men call things like ships 'she'. The recent research done by the University of Glamorgan noted how websites designed by men are usually more boxy and square, focusing on clear lines and formal text. Interestingly, when looking at the design of cars, men tend to appreciate streamlined, 'softer' bodywork, which is more feminine!
Web design male dominated
It was my Dad who brought up the recent discussion about 'web gender' to my attention.
My own personal experience leads to conclude that the discussed 'male domination' stretches across the Computer industry as a whole.
Having studied Computer Science at Liverpool University, it is clear as you walk around, even to the most unobservant person that female students are in the minority in our department.
Women can change the face of web design
Whilst it is true that the industry has long since been dominated by men, and that this has undoubtedly influenced the internet as we know it today, I believe that things are changing. I agree totally with Kelly Laslow's comment in a previous issue of .NET saying that it is up to the women involved in the computer industry to 'make their mark' and change the internet's stereotypical male image.
As more and more female IT professionals are emerging, this is changing over time. Arguably the Computer industry is following the same path as so many groups and industries before it, gradually moving away from the traditional male image.
A good example of this is the modern day Armed Forces. Perhaps it has just taken us longer to get there!!
Accessible website design
However, I believe that our focus as designers should be on making our websites user-friendly, accessible and appealing to the variety of web users surfing the internet today.
Whilst it is true that the traditional boxy and square web layouts are undoubtedly more masculine in design, they are also generally simpler to understand and use than more complicated layouts.
Keep web design clear and simple
Many television adverts today boast some stunning visual effects and technological advancement, as a user I often find myself at a loss to decide exactly what they were trying to sell me!
