Short answer
Be aware of historical biases that might influence how users are perceived and ensure your designs do not perpetuate these exclusionary patterns.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- Summit (Simon Fraser University) (2005)
- Method
- Historical Feminist Inquiry
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Historical texts and societal structures can codify biases that influence how certain user groups are perceived and subsequently excluded from design and innovation. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2005 study published in Summit (Simon Fraser University). Using Historical feminist inquiry, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Be aware of historical biases that might influence how users are perceived and ensure your designs do not perpetuate these exclusionary patterns.
Historical Ideologies Shape Design Perception of 'Normal'
Historical texts and societal structures can codify biases that influence how certain user groups are perceived and subsequently excluded from design and innovation.
Summit (Simon Fraser University) · 2005
Key Findings
- 01Historical and theological subordination of women has consistently led to negative sentiment and exclusion.
- 02Men have historically defined and classified women as 'abnormal' and deviant, excluding their voices from key enterprises.
- 03Contemporary issues in professional regulation can be understood as a continuation of historical gender struggles.
Application
Design takeaway
Be aware of historical biases that might influence how users are perceived and ensure your designs do not perpetuate these exclusionary patterns.
How to apply
Before commencing a design project, research the historical context of the user group and the domain to identify any ingrained biases that need to be addressed.
Project actions
- 01When researching your target users, look for historical information that might explain current attitudes or practices.
- 02Consider if any historical societal norms could be influencing the problem you are trying to solve or the way you are approaching the solution.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a strong historical lens for understanding contemporary issues.
- +Emphasizes the importance of feminist historical inquiry in revealing hidden biases.
Limitations
The historical context may not directly translate to all modern design challenges, and the focus on gender may not be relevant to every design project.
Reliability & validity
The validity of the findings relies on the rigorous interpretation of historical texts and the strength of the feminist theoretical framework used. Reliability would depend on the consistent application of these analytical methods across different historical periods or contexts.
Think critically
How might the historical 'definition' of a 'normal' user continue to influence the design of technology or services today, even if unintentionally?
Design Principles
"Design must actively deconstruct and counteract historical biases to ensure inclusivity and equity."
Understanding the historical roots of prejudice is crucial for designers to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes in their work. By recognizing how past ideologies have defined 'normal' and 'deviant,' designers can proactively challenge these biases and create more inclusive and equitable products and systems.
What This Means for Your Design
Old books and rules sometimes made people think certain groups were 'wrong' or 'different.' This can still affect how we design things today, so designers need to be careful not to repeat these old, unfair ideas.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this research when discussing how societal or historical factors might influence user needs or the design problem itself.
- 2.Use it to justify the importance of inclusive design and challenging assumptions about user groups.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights how historical ideologies, such as those found in texts like the Malleus Maleficarum, have codified biases that define certain groups as 'abnormal' and systematically exclude their voices. This historical pattern of subordination and exclusion can significantly influence contemporary societal structures and professional practices, underscoring the need for designers to critically examine the historical context of their user groups and actively challenge ingrained biases to ensure equitable and inclusive design outcomes.
Source
Summit (Simon Fraser University)
"...and he shall rule over thee" The malleus maleficarum and the politics of misogyny, medecine, and midwifery (1484-present): A feminist historical inquiry
journal · 2005
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about historical ideologies shape design perception of 'normal'?
- Be aware of historical biases that might influence how users are perceived and ensure your designs do not perpetuate these exclusionary patterns. Evidence: Summit (Simon Fraser University) (2005).
- Why does "Historical Ideologies Shape Design Perception of 'Normal'" matter for design?
- Understanding the historical roots of prejudice is crucial for designers to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes in their work. By recognizing how past ideologies have defined 'normal' and 'deviant,' designers can proactively challenge these biases and create more inclusive and equitable products and systems.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Be aware of historical biases that might influence how users are perceived and ensure your designs do not perpetuate these exclusionary patterns.
- What were the main findings?
- Historical and theological subordination of women has consistently led to negative sentiment and exclusion.. Men have historically defined and classified women as 'abnormal' and deviant, excluding their voices from key enterprises.. Contemporary issues in professional regulation can be understood as a continuation of historical gender struggles.
- What research method was used?
- Historical Feminist Inquiry.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2005 journal from Summit (Simon Fraser University).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- Before commencing a design project, research the historical context of the user group and the domain to identify any ingrained biases that need to be addressed.
- What are the limitations?
- The study's focus on a specific historical text and its feminist lens may limit generalizability to all design contexts.