Gender Inclusion in Design: Embracing Diversity and Breaking Stereotypes
In today’s world, inclusivity is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential. As businesses, designers, and creators, our work has the power to shape perceptions and dismantle harmful norms. Inclusive design goes beyond aesthetics; it prioritizes accessibility, representation, and the acknowledgment of human diversity. One of the most impactful ways we can foster inclusivity is by integrating gender inclusion into our design processes.
As we move into 2025, this blog explores the importance of gender inclusion in design, highlights current challenges, and provides actionable strategies to help you create with intentionality, empathy, and creativity.
What Is Gender-Inclusive Design?
Gender-inclusive design is the practice of ensuring your offers, branding, and visual elements reflect and respect the diversity of gender identities and expressions. It challenges traditional norms and stereotypes, moving away from binary perspectives to embrace fluidity and individuality.
Navigating a Binary World as a Non-Binary Designer
As a non-binary person working in an industry that often leans heavily on traditional gender norms, I’ve experienced firsthand the frustration of feeling unseen, unrepresented, and misunderstood. Design, whether in branding, products, or visual storytelling, carries the power to shape how we perceive ourselves and others. But when those designs default to binary expectations, they create barriers for anyone who doesn’t fit neatly into “masculine” or “feminine” categories.
Growing up, I rarely saw myself reflected in the the way I was taught to approach design. Colors, shapes, and messaging often reinforced ideas that felt alienating. As I got deeper into my role as a designer and creative professional, I began to notice just how ingrained these norms were in the industry. From marketing campaigns to product packaging, it became clear that design often prioritizes outdated, exclusionary ideas over true inclusivity.
This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about impact. When someone feels unseen or misrepresented by the designs they encounter, it sends a message: You don’t belong here. It creates a sense of exclusion that can ripple far beyond the product or brand, affecting how people see themselves and their worth. For me, this realization was deeply personal and sparked a commitment to do things differently.
The Power of Representation in Design
When we break free from these norms and embrace inclusive, gender-expansive approaches to design, we’re not just creating visuals—we’re creating space. Space for people to feel fully represented, appreciated, seen, and respected. Space where the uniqueness of every individual is honored.
I’ve experienced the profound impact of seeing brands and designs that embrace fluidity and diversity. They make me feel recognized and valued in ways that are difficult to put into words. It’s why I’ve made it a core part of my work to challenge the norms. Through intentional, inclusive design, we can show people of all identities that there’s room for them—not only in our brands and products but in the world at large.
This is why gender-inclusive design matters so much to me. It’s not just a creative choice—it’s a statement of values and a step toward a more equitable, compassionate industry. By rethinking how we use color, shape, language, and imagery, we can begin to disrupt the gendered patterns that have long dictated design. Together, we can create designs that make everyone feel like they belong. And I believe that’s a goal worth striving for.
This personal lens informs everything we’ll discuss in this blog—from understanding how traditional design reinforces gender binaries to actionable steps for embracing inclusivity. Let’s reimagine what’s possible when we approach design with empathy, intention, and a commitment to inclusion.
Why It Matters More Than Ever:
Representation Equals Connection: People connect with brands that make them feel seen and valued. Gender-inclusive design helps create that connection by acknowledging the spectrum of identities.
Ethical Responsibility: As creators, we must advocate for equity, not perpetuate exclusion or bias.
Innovation through Inclusion: Breaking free from gendered norms opens the door to creative, boundary-pushing designs that resonate deeply with audiences.
“When we deconstruct monolithic or binary approaches to gender in branding and design, we can begin creating for the pluriverse!”
Understanding Gender: A Foundation for Inclusive Design
Before diving into design tactics, it’s important to ground ourselves in a deeper understanding of gender:
Gender Is Socially Constructed: It’s shaped by societal norms and cultural expectations rather than fixed biological factors.
Gender Is Fluid: Expressions of gender evolve and vary between individuals.
Gender Exists on a Spectrum: It’s not limited to binary categories like male and female.
By embracing these truths, we can shift from outdated design practices that exclude or stereotype and move toward more inclusive frameworks.
“Design is used to evoke feelings and convey messages, affecting our behaviors and perceptions. Design is influenced by culture and culture is influenced by design. Therefore, design has the ability to shift social norms!”
The Problem with Gendered Design Norms
Traditional design practices often reinforce outdated gender stereotypes. While these norms might feel ingrained, they limit creativity and exclude those who don’t fit within binary categories.
Common Ways Gender Stereotypes Show Up in Design:
Color Palettes: Associating blue with masculinity and pink with femininity, perpetuating outdated ideas.
Typography: Using bold, sharp fonts for men and thin, cursive fonts for women.
Shapes and Textures: Hard-edged shapes are seen as “masculine,” while soft, fluid designs are considered “feminine.”
Imagery: Representing men and women with stereotypical physical features, occupations, or behaviors.
Product Marketing: “For him” and “for her” labeling reinforces binary norms.
These patterns not only limit design possibilities but also exclude people who don’t identify with traditional gender binaries.
Examples of Gender-Inclusive Design
Here are some brands and ideas showcasing gender inclusion done right:
Clothing Brands: Brands like TomboyX and Wildfang design clothing that transcends traditional gender categories, offering inclusive sizing and styles.
Beauty and Wellness Products: Companies like Fluide create makeup marketed for everyone, using diverse models and playful designs.
Technology: Tech brands using clean, neutral interfaces and diverse stock imagery to reflect their commitment to inclusion.
Product Packaging: Using minimal, non-gendered designs that focus on the product’s value rather than its target demographic.
Disrupting Gender Norms in Design
Moving toward gender-inclusive design requires intention, creativity, and a willingness to challenge societal expectations. Here’s how to get started:
Audit Your Current Design Practices
Review your branding, products, and materials to identify areas where gender stereotypes might be present.
Look at your use of color, typography, shapes, and language to assess how they may unintentionally reinforce binaries.
Embrace Gender-Neutral Design
What It Is: Gender-neutral design avoids aligning with any one gender. Instead, it creates visuals and messaging that are universally accessible.
How to Apply: Opt for balanced color palettes, universal symbols, and neutral language that appeals to a broad audience.
Experiment with Gender-Fluid Design
What It Is: Gender-fluid design reimagines traditional gendered aesthetics, blending or flipping expectations.
How to Apply: Combine “masculine” and “feminine” elements, like bold fonts paired with soft colors, or sharp shapes with fluid textures.
Diversify Representation in Imagery
Use diverse models, body types, and styles to represent a wide range of identities.
Avoid defaulting to traditional gender roles in illustrations, photos, or animations.
Intentionally Use Language
Replace binary terms like “he” and “she” with gender-neutral pronouns or inclusive language.
Ensure product labels and descriptions are free from gendered assumptions.
Practical Steps to Create Gender-Inclusive Designs
Step 1: Define Your Vision
Ask yourself: How do I want people of all gender identities to feel when they interact with my brand? Use this as your guiding principle.
Step 2: Redesign with Intention
As you revisit your brand assets, prioritize designs that reflect your commitment to inclusion. Experiment with unconventional color palettes, fonts, and imagery.
Step 3: Learn from Examples
Study brands successfully incorporating gender inclusion into their designs. Notice how they use shapes, textures, and narratives to disrupt stereotypes.
Step 4: Test and Iterate
Gather feedback from diverse groups to ensure your designs resonate across the spectrum of gender identities.
Step 5: Commit to Continuous Learning
Gender inclusion is an evolving field. Stay informed about shifts in culture and language to ensure your designs remain relevant and inclusive.
Why Gender-Inclusive Design Is the Future
As businesses and creators, we have the power to shape culture through the messages we send with our designs. Gender-inclusive design doesn’t just align with evolving societal values—it also fosters deeper connections, expands your audience, and drives innovation.
By embracing gender inclusion, we’re not only designing for today’s world but actively creating a more equitable and representative future.
Need support in moving your brand toward more gender-inclusive practices?
At DoGoodBiz Studio, we specialize in crafting intentional, inclusive designs that reflect your values. Let’s collaborate to bring your vision to life.
Until next time,
Natalie Brite
