Surprising Things Female Designers Want

The popular phrase, “It’s a man’s world,” seems to ring true in certain industries where the male demographic dominates. However, with the rise of industrialization and shifting societal norms, more women have stepped into roles traditionally held by men. As we progress, the question of gender equality in the workplace becomes increasingly pertinent. How do women navigate these spaces dominated by men? Are there unique challenges women face that often go unspoken? And do women bring a different perspective or approach to their roles?

This article explores these questions, shedding light on the experiences of two female designers to highlight the struggles, and triumphs of women in the design industry

Bear in mind though: the answers of the designers here do not equate to the experiences of all female designers but give a glimpse into experiences likely shared by some.

Here’s 7 questions on the unique experiences of females in the design space.

1. As a woman in design, is there one thing you wish you had in your workspace to make it more inclusive or comfortable?
Christy: I would absolutely love to have an iPad to make my work more convenient.
Esther: I always wish for better gadgets to make my design career run more smoothly.

2. Can you recall any instances where you were turned down or overlooked because of your gender?
Christy: I don’t think I have, except for one time I got recommended for a project, but someone ghosted me once after seeing my profile picture.
Esther: There was an instance whereby I was turned down due to my gender. The people in question thought I wouldn’t be able to deliver up to their expectations, but they were amazed by the result at the end of the day.

3. Do you think the design industry is predominantly male-dominated? If so, how has that impacted your career?
Christy: I think it’s predominantly male, but it has affected my career in a good way. Men are easy to connect with as a lady. My design journey grew because men willingly taught me, especially when I asked politely for a helping hand. The branding aspect seems to have more women, though.
Esther: The design industry is a male-predominant industry. We have a higher percentage of males than females. In between this, I have learned to stand out as a female graphic designer by adding extra to ordinary so as to provide extraordinary designs.

4. Can you think of any products or design trends that clearly show the lack of female designers in their development or design process?
Christy: I have noticed that ergonomic chairs are designed to be larger. I can’t fit into them. It seems the chairs are designed with men in mind. It feels like men are expected to use them, and the same goes for the mouse. Most females have smaller hands, but mice are designed for larger hands.
Esther: I can’t say for now.

5. In your opinion, does design offer better gender representation compared to other industries? Why or why not?
Christy: The branding aspect seems to have more women, though.
Esther: No, the design industry does not offer good gender representation. Women make up more than half of the design industry, yet we are still underrepresented and not recognized in leadership roles.

6. Are there aspects of the design field that are more challenging for women compared to their male counterparts?
Christy: It’s a personality trait. I had a friend who couldn’t learn design from me but switched to coding and is absolutely amazing at it. I tried coding but failed at it. It’s the personality at play here.
Esther: To me, there’s no aspect that is more challenging for women compared to men. All aspects require hard work and self-determination. Once you put your mind and zeal into doing something, you will surely achieve success.

7. Do you think women deserve special considerations in the workspace? If so, what kind of considerations could make a difference?
Christy: I think women should have leave when they are “at that time of the month.” It’s difficult to function during this period. Some women can manage, but for those who can’t, there should be considerations.
Esther: Yes, women deserve special considerations in the design industry. Gender inequality is a significant problem that needs to be nullified. There are few females leading in this industry, thereby resulting in fewer female role models for other upcoming female designers. There should be provisions for mentorship and sponsorship opportunities for women. Also, education and raising awareness about gender inequality are essential.

Empowering the Design Economy

Women are an integral part of the design industry. Recognizing their contributions is not just a trendy notion but a critical step toward driving innovation, economic growth, and equality in the workplace. Their inclusion and acknowledgment are essential for creating a truly progressive and equitable society. Interestingly, design outputs—such as mobile applications—are consumed universally, regardless of gender. By embracing gender inclusivity, industries can ensure that their products satisfy the diverse needs of their users.

Beyond consumer benefits, acknowledging women in the design space also helps address disparities in employment opportunities. For instance, in Nigeria, where employed females account for 31.3 million compared to 40 million males, promoting gender balance can bridge the gap and empower more women to thrive in the workforce.

However, there are unique challenges that women in design face, which can’t be ignored such as biological differences that may affect work performance. Agencies working with tight deadlines or understaffed teams can utilize easy-to-use platforms for speedily executing work such as Youdesign to accommodate leave requests during critical moments.

The global graphic design industry is estimated at $52.6 billion in 2024. In Nigeria The broader creative industry, which includes design, is anticipated to generate $100 billion in revenue by 2030. These numbers could significantly increase with women in this fields empowered to perform better.

NGD plays its part by offering resources to help every player in the deisgn field with resources t perform at their best.

Check out our resources to empower your design journey.

I spent 13 years producing substandard work -Dapo Omotosho

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