Research, Proactivity
Designing to promote parity in the tech industry
Promoting gender parity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) fields through the use of blockchains and
associated technologies.
1 year project, 2021-2022
My role and process
As a designer on this project, I am following the Double Diamond
design process to ensure that I am exploring and refining my ideas
in a systematic and iterative manner. Specifically, I have been
responsible for conducting user research and analysis in the
"Discover" phase, and in February I will be in the process of
developing wireframes and prototypes in the "Define" phase. My role
also includes testing and iterating on design solutions in order to
ensure that the final product is user-friendly, intuitive, and
effective. Throughout the project, I have worked helped by teachers
to identify and understand the needs of the target users and align
the design solutions with requirements.
Research
The tech industry has long struggled with gender inequality, with
women and other underrepresented groups facing significant barriers
to representation, pay equity, and advancement. In recent years,
there has been a growing recognition of the need for greater
diversity and inclusion in tech, but progress has been slow.
I conducted research on the current state of gender equity in tech,
including reviewing data on representation and pay, and speaking
with experts and individuals working in the industry. My research
revealed a number of persistent challenges, including:
-
Lack of representation: Women and other underrepresented
groups are significantly underrepresented in tech, particularly in
leadership positions.
-
Pay disparities:
Women and other underrepresented groups are often paid less than
their male counterparts, even when controlling for factors like
education and experience.
-
Bias and discrimination:
Women and other underrepresented groups often face discrimination
and bias in tech, both in the hiring process and in their
day-to-day work.
Opportunity
A more diverse and inclusive tech industry would be better able to
address a wider range of needs and perspectives, and would be more
innovative and competitive.
A more diverse and inclusive tech industry would be better able to
address a wider range of needs and perspectives, and would be more
innovative and competitive.
Possible working axes
-
Track and report on progress towards gender equity goals: By using
blockchain to track and report on diversity and inclusion metrics,
tech companies and organizations can gain a better understanding
of their progress towards gender equity goals and identify areas
for improvement.
-
Ensure fair and equitable pay and compensation: Blockchain can
facilitate the tracking and reporting of pay and other forms of
compensation, helping to ensure that women and other
underrepresented groups are being fairly compensated.
-
Empower women and other underrepresented groups through
decentralized networks and platforms: By leveraging blockchain to
create decentralized networks and platforms, tech companies and
organizations can provide women and other underrepresented groups
with greater access to opportunities and resources, helping to
level the playing field and increase representation.
-
Encourage the adoption and implementation of blockchain
technology: To fully realize the potential of blockchain to
promote gender equity in tech, it is important for companies and
organizations to adopt and implement these technologies. This can
be achieved through education and training programs, as well as
through the creation of incentives and rewards for companies and
organizations that are making progress towards gender equity
goals.
-
Foster a culture of diversity and inclusion: In addition to
implementing specific interventions, it is also important for tech
companies and organizations to foster a culture of diversity and
inclusion. This can be achieved through the implementation of
policies and practices that support and promote diversity and
inclusion, as well as through ongoing training and education.
Conclusion
Promoting gender equity in the tech industry is a complex and
multifaceted challenge, but it is one that is worth addressing. By
leveraging blockchain technology and implementing effective
strategies and interventions, tech companies and organizations can
make significant progress towards achieving greater diversity and
inclusion. This will not only benefit women and other
underrepresented groups, but will also benefit the tech industry as
a whole, helping to unlock its full potential and drive innovation
and competitiveness.
I wrote an article on this topic, which can be found on
Medium. This article provides more in-depth information about my
research.