Women Believe Smart Devices Aren't Designed For Them, Report Finds

A recent survey by TechArc, an Indian technology research firm, has revealed that a significant proportion of women in India believe that most modern smart devices are not designed with their needs in mind. The survey, conducted on the occasion of International Women's Day, polled 1,150 women across the country, including 650 professionals and 500 homemakers between the ages of 18 and 50.

"While technology remains gender agnostic, in personal tech space there is desire as well as scope to introduce product lines for men and women separately. This can be based on hardware differentiation as well as the software and app defined use cases that could add more value to the respective users," said Faisal Kawoosa, chief analyst and founder of TechArc.

According to the report, while smartphones have reached a level of maturity where design, colours, and form factors like clamshell foldables have become democratised, other categories such as laptops and smart TVs have not been designed with women in mind. The survey suggests that women in India find smart TVs to be less user-friendly than their male counterparts.

The report also highlighted a lack of awareness and education among women regarding smart home appliances. This lack of knowledge leads to underutilisation of the devices' features, even when women own them.

However, one category that is capturing the attention of women in India is the smart ring. The report notes a growing interest in such wearables among female consumers. While smartwatches are appreciated, they are often considered too bulky for women's preferences.

"The smart tech ecosystem needs to leverage AI and other such technologies at both cosmetic layer as well as fundamental changes in the overall value proposition. The designs, colours, materials and applications that go in these devices need to meet the changing expectations of women," opined Faisal.

Looking to the future, the report states that women expect more personalisation, choice, and portability from smart devices. TechArc believes that artificial intelligence will play a crucial role in enabling these personalisation aspects in the coming years.

As the technology industry continues to evolve, it is essential for manufacturers to consider the diverse needs and preferences of their target audiences, including women, to ensure that their products are inclusive and accessible to all.