Design Academy Eindhoven graduate Migle Nevieraite designed the conceptual 'Pink Tints of Blue' app to teach children that gender is merely a societal construction.
Our assigned gender tends to inform the way we see ourselves and others. It dictates what clothes we wear and, for children, what toys they play with. What is means to be "male" and "female" has been marked by a series of deeply ingrained preferences and traditions.
Nevieraite's project starts off with a gender-neutral child. Users can then add more gender-specific elements, making the child appear more masculine or feminine accordingly. Users can also accessorize the child (and its surroundings). The purpose of the app is to show children that gender is flexible, fluid and entirely up to them to express.
Non-Normative Gender Apps
The Pink Tints of Blue App Teaches Kids that Gender is Flexible
Trend Themes
1. Gender-fluid Apps - Opportunity to develop apps that challenge societal norms and provide education on the flexibility of gender.
2. Gender-neutral Design - Opportunity to design products and services that are not defined by gender norms and promote inclusivity.
3. Gender-inclusive Education - Opportunity to provide educational materials and tools that support non-normative gender identities and expressions.
Industry Implications
1. Education - Education industry can create educational materials and tools that promote gender inclusivity and support non-normative gender identities.
2. Entertainment/gaming - Entertainment and gaming industries can develop games and apps that challenge gender norms and promote inclusivity and diversity.
3. Retail/fashion - Retail and fashion industries can develop gender-neutral products and designs that cater to non-normative gender expressions and identities.