Origo - design as social agent towards gender sensitive work for change and innovation

Important results from the project

The project Origo has aimed to investigate a new approach to gender equality in organisations and what significance this has for the willingness to change, gender awareness and innovation. The method combines gender theory and critical design and is used as a tool to show and challenge the norms, prejudices and notions concerning women and men. The aim and goal of the project have been fulfilled without deviations.

Expected long term effects

Origo has, in accordance with what was articulated in the application, led to development of a new method, increased gender awareness in the organizations and has made contributions to the research field and public debate. An article and a book chapter has been published and the exhibition ´Open doors´ has been produced. The exhibition was presented at the project´s final conference with 150 participants from private and public sector. Origo has been presented at an international symposium and been highlighted in media. The concepts will be part of an upcoming exhibition at ArkDes.

Approach and implementation

The aim of the project was to scientifically test and analyse the new method in two different organisations and the work was divided into three blocks. 1) Mapping and analysis of gender order and constraining norms and problems related to gender in current context. 2) Development of design concepts. 3) Presentation and follow up on the design concepts importance of gender awareness, willingness to change and innovation in each of the two organisations. The three different stages of the project have been achieved without deviation and in relation to project plan and timetable.