I was having a discussion with my girlfriend about tools and how they may be marketed toward women. The question came up as to how would a company market tools toward women, and as an extension how they might be designed/redesigned due to that. So I figured I'd put it out there for people to comment on, and see what becomes of it.
My thoughts on it are this. 1) Don't go and make them cute pastel colors, most women looking for serious tools probably aren't going to be sucked in that way. 2) Look at the grips on everything. Most women will have smaller hands than most men. Getting a slightly smaller grip will make them more comfortable. (for the women, it would drive me nuts having large hands)
Other than that, I think you go with the same basic marketing of durable dependable tools. Do you go with value for the money advertising? I'm not sure personally. You start getting in to hazy areas when you go in to marketing. Too many stereotypes that may offend some people, and yet, actually work when you look at market research...
What do you think?
I am tool impaired. Honestly, I have one of the "smaller" hammer just to limit the amount of damage I can do.
But, living alone, I still need them. So - what I look for is easy to use, fits my hands and light, cordless (less to worry about) and practical. Simple, really.
If I have to pay a bit more, I'm alright with that. (but don't tell the manufacturers!)
Posted by: Tammi at August 29, 2004 10:48 AM