Short answer
When designing collaborative or open-plan spaces, actively consider how material choices and spatial arrangements might inadvertently privilege certain behaviors or reinforce existing social biases, and design for inclusivity.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- Gender Work and Organization (2017)
- Method
- Ethnographic observation and qualitative analysis
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Design choices in office spaces, particularly those emphasizing transparency and open interaction, can unintentionally embed and promote specific gendered behaviors, often aligning with traditionally masculine ideals of the 'ideal worker'. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in Gender Work and Organization. Using Ethnographic observation and qualitative analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing collaborative or open-plan spaces, actively consider how material choices and spatial arrangements might inadvertently privilege certain behaviors or reinforce existing social biases, and design for inclusivity.
Glass-walled, open-plan offices can inadvertently reinforce traditional masculine work norms.
Design choices in office spaces, particularly those emphasizing transparency and open interaction, can unintentionally embed and promote specific gendered behaviors, often aligning with traditionally masculine ideals of the 'ideal worker'.
Gender Work and Organization · 2017
Key Findings
- 01The 'new office' design, with its emphasis on transparency and fluid networking, was conceptualized by designers with masculine ideals of the 'ideal worker'.
- 02While aiming for universal behavioral change, the design inadvertently reinforced gendered norms, pushing occupants, particularly women, into a mode of intensive interaction and constant visibility.
- 03Occupants' responses were complex, leading to a reshuffling of conventional gender characteristics rather than a simple reinforcement of traditional dynamics.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing collaborative or open-plan spaces, actively consider how material choices and spatial arrangements might inadvertently privilege certain behaviors or reinforce existing social biases, and design for inclusivity.
How to apply
Before finalizing designs for collaborative workspaces, conduct user research that specifically probes potential gendered impacts of spatial and material choices, and consider alternative configurations that promote diverse interaction styles.
Project actions
- 01When analyzing existing designs, consider the historical context and the designer's likely intentions versus the actual user experience.
- 02Investigate how material choices (e.g., transparency, texture) and spatial layouts (e.g., open vs. private areas) influence social interactions and perceptions of ideal behavior.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a nuanced understanding of how physical space interacts with social constructs like gender.
- +Utilizes an ethnographic approach to capture real-world behaviors and experiences.
Limitations
The specific context of a 'new office' move might have influenced initial reactions. The study's focus on gender may not capture other intersecting social identities.
Reliability & validity
The qualitative nature of the ethnographic study provides rich, contextual data but may have limited generalizability. Reliability could be enhanced by triangulating observations with interviews and surveys.
Think critically
To what extent can designers truly control or predict the social and gendered outcomes of their spatial designs, and what ethical responsibilities do they have in mitigating unintended negative consequences?
Design Principles
"Design interventions should be evaluated not only for their functional and aesthetic qualities but also for their potential to perpetuate or challenge social norms and power dynamics."
This highlights the critical need for designers to consider the socio-cultural implications of their spatial and material choices. Unintended gender biases in design can create exclusionary environments and impact the performance and well-being of diverse user groups.
What This Means for Your Design
The way an office is built, like using lots of glass and open spaces, can accidentally make people act in ways that are more like traditional ideas of men at work, even if that wasn't the plan.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to inform your analysis of how the physical environment in your design project might influence user behavior and social dynamics, particularly concerning gender or other social factors.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The design of modern office spaces, particularly those employing open-plan layouts and transparent materials like glass, can inadvertently embed and promote specific gendered norms. Research indicates that such environments, while aiming for increased collaboration, may align with traditionally masculine ideals of the 'ideal worker,' influencing occupant behavior and interaction in complex ways that can reshape, rather than simply reinforce, conventional gender characteristics.
Source
Questions About This Research
- What does the research say about glass-walled, open-plan offices can inadvertently reinforce traditional masculine work norms?
- When designing collaborative or open-plan spaces, actively consider how material choices and spatial arrangements might inadvertently privilege certain behaviors or reinforce existing social biases, and design for inclusivity. Evidence: Gender Work and Organization (2017).
- Why does "Glass-walled, open-plan offices can inadvertently reinforce traditional masculine work norms." matter for design?
- This highlights the critical need for designers to consider the socio-cultural implications of their spatial and material choices. Unintended gender biases in design can create exclusionary environments and impact the performance and well-being of diverse user groups.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing collaborative or open-plan spaces, actively consider how material choices and spatial arrangements might inadvertently privilege certain behaviors or reinforce existing social biases, and design for inclusivity.
- What were the main findings?
- The 'new office' design, with its emphasis on transparency and fluid networking, was conceptualized by designers with masculine ideals of the 'ideal worker'.. While aiming for universal behavioral change, the design inadvertently reinforced gendered norms, pushing occupants, particularly women, into a mode of intensive interaction and constant visibility.. Occupants' responses were complex, leading to a reshuffling of conventional gender characteristics rather than a simple reinforcement of traditional dynamics.
- What research method was used?
- Ethnographic observation and qualitative analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from Gender Work and Organization.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- Before finalizing designs for collaborative workspaces, conduct user research that specifically probes potential gendered impacts of spatial and material choices, and consider alternative configurations that promote diverse interaction styles.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focuses on a specific type of office environment and may not be generalizable to all workplace designs or organizational cultures. The analysis is based on observed behaviors and self-reported experiences, which can be subject to interpretation.