Victoria J. Beck
Making Space: Women in the Outdoor Industry
How might we design a canoe that would change the behaviour of canoeing in a way that is inclusive to women?
This project critically examines the gender biases in the North American Outdoor Industry, and as a result, the barriers that exist for women. These barriers include access to goods, outward perceptions, and opportunity. In response to these findings, I have chosen to focus on canoeing, and how the canoe can be redesigned in order to better suit the female body, and change the behaviours and outdated practices surrounding canoeing.
Insight
After comprehensive research into the North American Outdoor Industry, there proves to be clear gender barriers that exist for women. These barriers exist within three main areas: systems and structures in the industry workplace, access to outdoor-related goods and equipment for women, and the behaviours and perceptions towards females in outdoor contexts. These barriers predominantly categorize into two lenses; social and political. For this reason, it was important for the solution to be human-centered.
Idea
This project aims to challenge these systems, by designing outdoor equipment for women which would remove immediate barriers. The first area of focus is canoeing, as it has historically been a male-dominated sport. This project will reimagine the way that we interact with canoeing, on a social and personal level, and challenge long-existing behaviours and rituals.
Impact
By positioning the user at the center of this design solution, it realigns the focus to the experience of the outdoors. This is important, as it is the sole purpose for which the industry was created. By equipping women with specific and accessible gear, it creates more space for women to enter and thrive in the outdoors. This not only provides them with agency and opportunity but also increases the need for industry response as the number of female clientele increases.
Biography
Victoria is deeply passionate about the outdoors, and how design can play a positive role in our relationship with it. She believes in the authentic experience that the outdoors can bring, and how as designers we can harness and foster that. She is eager to pursue the functional simplicity of natural materials and how they can be used in designing for the outdoors.