In the lead-up to International Women's Day, a recent nationwide survey conducted by research firm Techarc sheds light on a notable trend which is that many tech products are falling short of meeting the needs and preferences of a crucial consumer demographic – women. The survey, encompassing 1,150 women across both metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas, underscores the potential for improvement in how tech companies tailor their products to cater to the distinct requirements of female customers. It has been observed that women appreciate the variety in colour options, and flip phones particularly.
The survey's key insights reveal that, while women appreciate the variety of colour options, designs, and form factors, including the popularity of flip phones, offered in the smartphone market, they express a desire for more profound personalisation and customisation capabilities. These capabilities would ideally adapt to their varying moods and preferences. In the wearables category, the smart ring is gaining traction, contrasting with the less favourable reception of bulky smartwatch dials among many women.
Women Not Finding Laptops & Smart-TVs User Friendly?
Notably, the laptop category emerges as an area where women feel underserved, citing a lack of feminine designs and lightweight options in the mass market. As women increasingly engage in professional and academic pursuits, the demand for more suitable laptop choices is expected to rise. The survey findings underscore the opportunity for tech companies to enhance their offerings by addressing these specific preferences and needs expressed by female consumers.
Intriguingly, the survey uncovered that many women do not find Smart TVs appealing or user-friendly, perceiving them as complex devices to navigate. Moreover, a notable awareness gap exists regarding the smart features of household appliances, with women generally lacking knowledge about the connectivity and intelligence capabilities of devices they regularly use, such as ovens, refrigerators, and washing machines.
The founder of Techarc, Faisal Kawoosa emphasised the necessity for more effective collaboration within the smart tech ecosystem to develop products that specifically cater to the preferences and needs of women. As women increasingly take on roles as consumers and primary users of smart devices in various settings – be it at home, on the go, or in the workplace – the study suggests that personalisation, choice, and portability are crucial aspects women expect from these devices.
Kawoosa stated, "The smart tech ecosystem needs to leverage AI and other such technologies at both the cosmetic layer as well as fundamental changes in the overall value proposition. The designs, colours, materials, and applications that go into these devices need to meet the changing expectations of women."