Technology and the Gender Ratio

So I visited my local Steelcase dealer recently and got to check out some very cool products. This was a department “field trip” and I was accompanied by 4 co-workers, all guys. A couple of people from the architecture firm we work with were also there, and between all of us, including our hosts, there were only 2 girls beside myself. Mind you we were a dozen people, so this got me to thinking: what’s up with all the guys involved in the contract furniture industry? Was there really a higher male to female ratio or was it just me? Don’t get me wrong- I think it’s great that there are so many guys in an industry that some people think is female dominated. Back in 2002 when I wandered the halls of the New York School of Interior Design, there were sooo few guys. I thought this was bizarro because so many talented men filled the pages of A&D magazines. Hmmm….maybe they didn’t all go to school (at least not in NYC). Anyhooow, back to the point: saw some great products. Technology is becoming increasingly integrated into furniture solutions and I’m thinking this is why more guys are into furniture than ever before. Not that us women don’t like technology. I love technology. I love my iPhone, I love my GPS, and don’t even get me started on vibrating mascara. But still, it seems that men just get more hot and bothered about techy stuff. So seriously, let’s talk about those products already. Media:scape is a conferencing solution that Steelcase has recently introduced, allowing multiple users to plug their laptops into an interface, connecting to each other and 1 or 2 flat panel displays. This facilitates collaboration and allows information to be shared instantly, taking meetings to new levels.

Media:scape by Steelcase

Different table shapes and heights are available, as well as cool seating options, from stools to task chairs to lounge seating. This system does not come cheap, and fortunately Steelcase has implemented a “test-drive” program, allowing end users to try the product for a few weeks. Girlie as I am, I’m ready to be in the driver’s seat. Just give me the keys.