Bias-Unbias is a collection of five interactive furniture pieces that challenge gender inequalities, inviting people to question societal norms through playful engagement and design.
Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?
‘Bias-Unbias’ highlights the gender data gap and the systemic biases that define our everyday lives. In a world where men are often seen as the default, this project challenges gender roles and power dynamics through interactive design. Each piece invites users to physically experience and reflect on these imbalances, fostering dialogue and social engagement. The collection is made using upcycled materials and resource-efficient processes, aligning with principles of circularity and sustainability. By addressing gender inequality—an issue deeply tied to social justice—the project resonates with the Open Call’s focus on inclusivity and community-driven solutions. Inspired by SDG 5 (Gender Equality), ‘Bias-Unbias’ demonstrates how design can be an agent for awareness and empowerment.
Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).
The project emerged from personal experiences of gender disparities in daily life. Through literature review, ethnographic research, expert interviews, and focus groups, I explored how gender roles are socially constructed and learned from birth. ‘Bias-Unbias’ translates these insights into physical objects that engage users in reflection and discussion. The collection is crafted from upcycled wood and steel, combining craftsmanship with conceptual storytelling. Each piece features hand-knitted elements created in collaboration with artisans Fatma Bakare and Remziye Koyunc, adding layers of materiality and symbolism. The designs encourage playful interaction—challenging spatial biases, domestic labor divisions, and everyday gender norms. Exhibited at London Design Week and SaloneSatellite, ‘Bias-Unbias’ has been recognized for its innovative approach to social design.
What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?
While gender inequality is often tackled through campaigns and policy discussions, ‘Bias-Unbias’ takes a unique approach by embedding these conversations into physical, interactive objects. Unlike traditional awareness initiatives, this collection engages users on a sensory and experiential level, making abstract biases tangible. It combines elements of critical, performative, and interactive design, inviting people to participate in shifting power dynamics rather than passively consuming information. The humoristic yet thought-provoking nature of the pieces differentiates them from conventional advocacy tools, making the topic more accessible. The project’s use of design as a medium for discourse—rather than just functionality—opens new avenues for addressing societal challenges in a creative and impactful way.
Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?
Gender inequality remains deeply ingrained, influencing young people’s education, career choices, and social interactions. ‘Bias-Unbias’ encourages critical thinking and cooperative problem-solving, empowering young audiences to recognize and challenge these biases. By fostering collaboration, pieces like ‘A Vacuum for Two’—a vacuum cleaner with dual suction tubes—challenge domestic labor stereotypes, while ‘Body and Space’ redefines personal space dynamics through seating design. These interactive elements resonate with young people, who seek engaging, hands-on ways to explore social issues. The project also serves as a valuable tool for educational workshops, sparking discussions in schools and workplaces. Through design, ‘Bias-Unbias’ transforms everyday objects into catalysts for change, giving young people a tangible way to reflect on and reshape societal norms.
