Humorless lesbians

Abstract

This chapter discusses one aspect or dimension of contemporary product design-products created by contemporary women designers who either consciously or unconsciously embrace humor as a component in their designed work. It focuses on the work of female industrial or product designers so that better understand how gender and humor intersect in contemporary product design, and what makes their work unique at this time and place in history. The chapter reviews an unexpected use of materials, forms, or images, or an unexpected context for the work. The major kinds of humor associated within contemporary product design include puns, paradox, and irony. Incongruity theory may best explain the root cause for all humor. A review of design by female product designers suggests that female designers value and consider relationships when designing, such as the relationship among users, materials, personal values, and human activities, as well as broader issues of global concern.