Sex

Sex is based on a person’s physical and biological traits and is assigned at birth. Sex can be described as female or male, though when people have disorders of sex development, sex is not assigned at birth. Sex is different from gender identity and sexual orientation, and should not be interchanged with these concepts. Sex can prescribe how a person physically completes some activities, such as using a toilet or competing in athletic events. In some cultures, a person’s sex can affect their social standing and can prescribe their role and expected behaviors. Gender inequality divides people based on their sex and in most cases, females have historically made less money doing the same work as men and have had less access to advancement in the workplace.

Designers have an opportunity to create products, services, and systems that promote equality and reduce the impact of people’s sex on the choices they can make for themselves.