A Viral Complaint

As children, we often overlook product design because we assume things work for everyone. But as we grow, it becomes clear that many products aren’t made for all genders. TikToker Abbey recently highlighted this problem when she vented about an Airbnb rain shower. She called the design “anti-women” and questioned whether it reflected male-centric thinking. Her video quickly went viral, sparking widespread agreement from women online.

Why Rain Showers Frustrate Women

Abbey explained that rain showers can be difficult for women who don’t wash their hair daily. She demonstrated how awkward women must “pose” to shower properly and how the immersive design sometimes made her feel like she was drowning. She wondered if this style was a fad or intentionally designed without women in mind.

Expert Insight on Product Design

To gain perspective, Bored Panda spoke with Sharanya Salehittal, a product design expert. She noted that many bathroom fixtures, including showerheads, are often designed for a “typical” user—usually assumed to be male. This affects features like shower height and water pressure.

“Some companies are improving, but there’s still room to consider different needs,” Salehittal said. “People vary in height, shower habits, and even cultural preferences. Some want strong, focused sprays; others prefer soft, wide coverage. We need more research to design for everyone.”

Balancing Function and Aesthetics

Sharanya stressed that functionality must come first. “A beautiful showerhead is useless if it doesn’t work well,” she explained. Designers should ensure proper water coverage, pressure, and usability before worrying about colors or styles. Even small details, like knob placement, significantly affect how easy a shower is to use.

Historical Bias in Design

Historically, product design has often been male-dominated, leading to features that suit men better. This bias can show up in everything from tools to public spaces. “Even shower water pressure might be optimized for how men wash their hair,” Sharanya said.

She added that these biases are usually unintentional but demonstrate the importance of diverse viewpoints. Challenges include lack of awareness, cost constraints, resistance to change, and the time required for meaningful user research.

Other Everyday Products with Gender Bias

Sharanya highlighted other examples:

• Kitchen countertops: Often too high for shorter users.

• Office temperatures: Calibrated to male metabolic rates.

• Safety equipment: Some designs disadvantage women.

Progress and Inclusion

Despite these issues, design is evolving. Adjustable showerheads are becoming more common, thanks to consumer feedback and advocacy. Sharanya emphasized that raising concerns can push companies to create better, more inclusive products.

“The responsibility falls on designers to listen and improve,” she said. “Inclusive design isn’t just fair—it makes products work better for everyone.”

Public Reactions

Abbey’s TikTok resonated with many, with viewers adding their own examples of gender-biased products. The discussion highlights the importance of questioning everyday design and advocating for inclusivity in even the smallest household items.