Intersectional Identity Framework Enhances User Understanding in Design

Why It Matters

Traditional user research often examines identity facets in isolation, potentially overlooking critical user requirements. By acknowledging and analyzing the interplay of multiple identity dimensions, designers can create more inclusive, relevant, and effective products and services that resonate with a wider range of users.

Key Finding

User research frequently examines identity traits separately, with less attention paid to race and ethnicity compared to gender and class. A more integrated approach to understanding user identity is needed, alongside better documentation of user demographics and contexts.

Key Findings

• Previous identity-focused research often analyzes single facets of identity in isolation.
• Research on ethnicity and race representation lags behind research on gender and socio-economic class.
• There is a need for clearer reporting of context and demographic information in user research.
• Inclusion of author disclosures and deeper engagement with identity complexities are recommended.

Research Evidence

Aim: How can an intersectional framework be applied to better understand and represent the complex identities of users within human-computer interaction research and design practice?

Method: Meta-review and qualitative analysis of existing research literature.

Procedure: A meta-review was conducted on 140 manuscripts from CHI proceedings (1982-2016) focusing on representations of gender, ethnicity, race, class, and sexuality. The corpus was analyzed to understand how identity is constructed and represented, and to identify the extent to which intersectionality is considered.

Sample Size: 140 manuscripts

Context: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research and design.

Design Principle

Design for the complexity of human identity by considering the interplay of multiple attributes.

How to Apply

When conducting user interviews or surveys, ask questions that explore multiple identity dimensions and how they might influence user behavior and preferences. Analyze data with an intersectional perspective, looking for patterns that emerge from the combination of different identity factors.

Limitations

The study's findings are based on a review of published research, which may not fully capture all aspects of identity representation or the practical challenges faced in design projects. The corpus primarily reflects academic research, potentially differing from industry design practices.

Student Guide (IB Design Technology)

Simple Explanation: When you study users, remember that people have many parts to their identity (like being a woman, being Asian, and being a student) that all work together. Looking at these parts separately might miss important things. Thinking about how they all connect helps you understand users better.

Why This Matters: Understanding the complex, overlapping identities of users is crucial for creating designs that are inclusive, relevant, and avoid unintended biases or exclusions. This approach leads to more ethical and effective design outcomes.

Critical Thinking: How might a design that is optimized for a user with a single, dominant identity characteristic inadvertently alienate or exclude users whose identities intersect in different ways?

IA-Ready Paragraph: This research highlights the necessity of employing an intersectional framework in user-centered design. By recognizing that users possess multiple, overlapping identities (e.g., gender, race, class, sexuality), designers can move beyond simplistic user profiles to develop a more profound understanding of diverse user needs and experiences. This nuanced perspective is essential for creating inclusive and effective design solutions.

Project Tips

• When defining your target user, consider their multiple identity characteristics and how they might interact.
• In your user research, ask questions that probe into how different aspects of their identity influence their needs and behaviors.
• When analyzing your findings, look for patterns that emerge from the combination of identity factors, not just individual ones.

How to Use in IA

• Reference this research when discussing the importance of a nuanced approach to user profiling and persona development, particularly when addressing diversity and inclusion in your design project.

Examiner Tips

• Demonstrate an awareness of how user demographics and contexts intersect and influence design choices, rather than treating them as isolated variables.

Independent Variable: Application of an intersectional framework in user analysis.

Dependent Variable: Depth and accuracy of user understanding; inclusivity and effectiveness of design solutions.

Controlled Variables: Specific design context or product type being investigated.

Strengths

• Provides a theoretical framework (intersectionality) for a complex problem.
• Analyzes a substantial body of academic literature to identify trends and gaps.

Critical Questions

• What are the practical challenges in collecting and analyzing data on intersecting identities in a real-world design project?
• How can designers ensure they are not making assumptions or perpetuating stereotypes when applying an intersectional lens?

Extended Essay Application

• An Extended Essay could explore the application of intersectionality to a specific design challenge, such as designing a digital platform for a diverse community, by conducting user research that explicitly considers intersecting identities.

Source

Intersectional HCI · 2017 · 10.1145/3025453.3025766