gendered self
“Tell the little girl she looks pretty. Tell the little boy he’s smart. Now watch what they focus on as they grow up.”
This is just the most obvious example of how language shapes children’s self-image. Most biases are far subtler — embedded not only in words, but also in what children are encouraged to try, the hobbies they are steered toward, and the characteristics adults celebrate in them. A boy is praised for being bold, while a girl is admired for being caring. Over time, these small signals accumulate, quietly steering children toward narrow roles and reinforcing stereotypes long before they can question them.
Research shows that by the age of six, children already associate intelligence more strongly with men than with women (Bian, Leslie & Cimpian, Science, 2017). These early biases shape ambitions and limit opportunities, setting unequal paths in motion from the very beginning.
The aim of my project is to challenge and update the clichéd vocabulary, narratives, and behaviours that adults unconsciously pass down to children. I want every child to grow up believing they can achieve anything — regardless of gender.
In developing this concept, I examined existing socio-political programmes that promote inclusivity and equality. From this research, I envisioned a future scenario in which a Ministry of Integrity and Diversity (MIDO) plays a central role. Within this framework, I created MIDO — a modular toy paired with an interactive app.
MIDO is more than a toy: it’s a government-backed service designed to free children from gender stereotypes through play and exploration. It doesn’t only challenge biased language — it actively encourages children to experiment with new hobbies, skills, and characteristics, helping them discover passions they might never have been guided toward otherwise. By introducing diversity as something natural and exciting, MIDO empowers children to define themselves not by gender, but by curiosity, creativity, and capability.
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project exploration
01. HYPOTHESIS
Certain behaviours are still widely seen as “appropriate” depending on gender — subtle expectations that can limit children’s growth. This project stems from my belief that such stereotypes harm personal development and that society must rethink its values and priorities.
Certain behaviours are still widely seen as “appropriate” depending on gender — subtle expectations that can limit children’s growth. This project stems from my belief that such stereotypes harm personal development and that society must rethink its values and priorities.
To ground the concept, I carried out extensive fieldwork and conversations with people from different backgrounds, gathering a wide range of everyday attitudes.
For example, I asked:
“If you had to buy a surprise toy for each child, what would you choose?”
Most instinctively picked building sets or sports gear for the boy and dolls or craft kits for the girl.
When I posed,
“Imagine these children in ten years — what jobs might they have?”
many immediately linked the boy to science, engineering, or sports, and the girl to teaching, fashion, or care work.
Other questions explored risk and emotion, such as:
“If both children climbed a tall tree and got stuck, which one would worry you more?”
Most people unconsciously chose the girl, assuming she was less capable.
And when asked,
“Who would be better at leading a group? Who at comforting a friend?”
leadership was usually given to the boy and empathy to the girl.
When I asked participants why they answered this way, the most common response was, “It’s just something you say,” or, “That’s what they’d like to hear,” as though these were natural truths rather than learned patterns.
These real conversations became the backbone of the design process. I mapped the language, choices, and hidden assumptions, identifying points where playful intervention could break these cycles. From this research emerged MIDO — a modular toy and interactive app designed to open space for curiosity and self-expression, encouraging children to discover interests and identities beyond traditional roles.
02. SPECULATION
YEAR 2030. Scientists and sociologists warn that without rapid change, society will continue to struggle with identity, limiting human potential and slowing progress across every field. In response, the government establishes the Ministry of Integrity and Diversity (MIDO) — a bold step toward reshaping the cultural fabric.
When exploring how such a service could work, I kept in mind that its greatest impact would come as part of a governmental scheme. I researched existing socio-political programmes that promote inclusivity and equality, which led me to envision a future scenario where a Ministry like MIDO could take root and thrive.
The initiative builds on a growing body of international evidence showing that countries with greater equality are not only fairer but also more innovative, resilient, and prosperous in the long run. MIDO’s mission is clear: to transform the social habits that restrict individuality, dismantle gender stereotypes, and cultivate a society where every person can grow free from imposed limitations.
03. TOOLS
The MIDO set forms a key part of a forward-thinking government initiative. It combines a modular toy with an interactive app designed to help children break free from gender stereotypes through playful, hands-on engagement. As a publicly provided service, MIDO introduces diversity as something natural and exciting, encouraging every child to explore their interests and develop their unique talents without limitation.
The MIDO box consists of:
01. a set of body blocks
02. an app for the child
03. an app for the caretaker
04. instructions
The MIDO box consists of:
01. a set of body blocks
02. an app for the child
03. an app for the caretaker
04. instructions
Inside each MIDO box are 14 unique pieces — different body shapes, hairstyles, and clothing elements. Children play by stacking these modular blocks to create their own characters. Every new combination brings a surprise: the connected app unlocks a story about the character they’ve built.
Each persona comes with distinct traits, interests, jobs, and family stories, introducing children to a wide spectrum of lives and possibilities. Some characters even reveal animated tales, videos, games, tasks, and puzzles, encouraging kids to try new activities and discover fresh passions.
Through this playful process, MIDO naturally teaches diversity, nurtures curiosity, and challenges gender stereotypes — helping children think beyond traditional roles while exploring their own interests and potential.
0.4. SUMMARY