Doing gender in input fields
Nicola Marsden · 2014
The work-in-progress outlined in this paper focuses on the role input fields in webforms play in the performance of gender. Based on the premise that doing gender in HCI should be studied both on the macro- and the micro-HCI level, and highlighting the perceived necessity of knowing someone's gender to interact with them, my research explores the micro aspect of input fields for titles: I have completed a search for user interface design patterns available to design input fields for titles and have sampled current practices of designing input fields in German websites. A second survey is ongoing. Afterwards I will develop alternative user interaction patterns for making choices regarding the selection of a title. The aim of these alternatives will be to trigger critical reflection on the danger of reifying the societal status quo via an input field.