This episode of the Coo-ee Podcast dives into the complexities of gender perception in voice user interfaces (VUIs), exploring Selina Jeanne Sutton’s paper, Gender Ambiguous, Not Genderless: Designing Gender in Voice User Interfaces with Sensitivity. Sutton critiques the idea of “genderless” voices and advocates for “gender ambiguous” designs that challenge societal biases and promote inclusivity. From the pitch and tone of voices to device branding and task assignments, this study highlights how every design choice influences user perceptions. By addressing these nuances, designers can create tools that respect diverse gender identities and move beyond binary categorizations.
Tune in as we unpack how smart assistant designs often inadvertently reinforce stereotypes and how thoughtful, holistic approaches can foster a more inclusive user experience.
👥 Author: Selina Jeanne Sutton
📝 Link to the paper: https://doi.org/10.1145/3405755.3406123
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#VoiceAssistants #GenderAmbiguity #InclusiveDesign #VUIs #TechnologyDesign
