As technology becomes an inseparable part of our daily lives, it plays a crucial role in shaping how we interact with the world—and each other. But how often do we stop to consider the gender biases embedded in our digital experiences? From voice assistants and algorithmic recommendations to UI/UX design, technology is far from neutral. In fact, it often reinforces binary gender norms, intentionally or not.
How do we experience Gender in tech?
Genderless design in technology refers to the deliberate effort to remove unnecessary gender markers from digital products, services, and interfaces. It’s about creating experiences that don’t assume or reinforce traditional gender roles, allowing users to engage with technology on their own terms. But the challenge is that many of our current digital systems are built on deeply ingrained assumptions about gender.
One of the most well-documented areas of gender bias in technology is voice AI. Digital assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant overwhelmingly use female voices, reflecting long-standing social expectations that women should be helpful, accommodating, and nurturing. Studies suggest that users perceive female voices as warmer and more approachable, whereas male voices are often associated with authority and expertise. But this creates an imbalance—when AI assistants are predominantly voiced by women, it perpetuates stereotypes about servitude and obedience. Conversely, when virtual assistants designed for finance or technical support use male voices, it reinforces the idea that men are more knowledgeable in those areas.
To counter this, projects like Q: The World’s First Genderless Voice aim to challenge binary assumptions. Q was developed through extensive research, blending the vocal characteristics of multiple speakers to create a tone that exists between traditional male and female registers. The goal is not just to provide an alternative but to provoke a discussion about why gendered voices are the default in the first place. (Source: Q Voice Project)
Moving Beyond Gendered Aesthetics
We can see the topic of Gender in visual communication in many design choices, from color palettes to iconography, again. For example, fintech apps targeting men often use dark themes, sharp typography, and high-contrast elements, signaling power and control. Meanwhile, apps marketed toward women may employ soft pastels, rounded typography, and nurturing language, reinforcing ideas of emotional sensitivity and caretaking. This is particularly evident in the health and wellness industry, where apps for period tracking, fertility, and general well-being overwhelmingly adopt a “feminine” aesthetic. While there is nothing wrong with this, it assumes that all users of these apps identify with traditional femininity. A more inclusive approach would involve providing customization options so users can shape the interface to fit their own preferences.
A great example of genderless UI is Google’s Material Design, which emphasizes functionality and adaptability over aesthetic assumptions. By focusing on clarity, accessibility, and modular components, Material Design enables brands to create interfaces that work across diverse user identities. (Source: Google Material Design)
Challenges and the Future of Tech Design
Despite growing awareness, there are still barriers to achieving true gender neutrality in tech. One major challenge is bias in AI and machine learning. Many algorithms are trained on datasets that reflect historical gender disparities, meaning they inherit and amplify those biases. Facial recognition systems, for instance, have been criticized for being less accurate in identifying non-binary or gender-nonconforming individuals (Read more about this in the following Blog Post!).
Ultimately, genderless design in technology is about challenging default assumptions. Rather than asking, “How do we make this product appealing to men or women?” the question should be, “How do we make this product useful and welcoming for everyone?” Technology shapes the way we navigate the world, and by designing without unnecessary gender markers, we create experiences that empower individuals to engage with digital spaces on their own terms.
