Implementing Gender-Sensitive Design Methods for Inclusive Innovation

Design methods are central to HCI and participatory design, fostering user-centered innovation through co-creation and iterative feedback. However, traditional design processes often overlook gender and inclusion, reinforcing systemic biases in innovation. This paper presents the co-creation and evaluation of gender-sensitive design methods for HCI innovation, tested in 10 case studies across Europe. The case studies were conducted in the key strategic areas of health, green transition, and digital transformation, with participants applying design methods in real-world settings to foster more inclusive innovation ecosystems. We examine the application and effectiveness of over 40 gender-responsive methods, such as Fair Meetings, Sex-Disaggregated Data, and Diversity Personas, in embedding inclusivity within organizations, design processes, and professional environments. Using qualitative and quantitative evaluation, we analyze how these methods reshape collaboration, decision-making, and user engagement, while identifying challenges in adoption and institutionalization. Findings highlight the importance of integrating gender-sensitive methods early in design workflows, the need for iterative adaptation to specific organizational contexts, and the barriers to sustained implementation. By providing empirical insights into the practical use of gender-responsive methods, this work contributes to the development of structured, scalable approaches for fostering inclusion in HCI and participatory design.