Problem

Women continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of unpaid household labor, even in dual-income households. Studies repeatedly show that this imbalance is linked to higher stress levels, worse mental health, and decreased relationship satisfaction for women. While conversations around gender equity have progressed, the division of housework remains stubbornly uneven. This project aims to address that gap by making household tasks more engaging and appealing to men, ultimately reducing the burden on women, improving their well-being, and fostering more balanced relationships.  

Process

This project, Grime Fighters, has three key goals:

1. To spark conversations about the gender imbalance in housework

2. To use humor as a way to highlight the issue and initiate change through laughter rather than guilt

3. To design housework products that are not only functional for men but also add a sense of fun to everyday chores

My hope is that, through blending satire with usability, Grime Fighters will challenge traditional gender roles and offer practical tools to encourage men to participate in more of the housework.

Solution

My answer to the problem of the unequal division of housework is a line of household products designed to engage men in chores by incorporating elements from traditionally masculine hobbies—power tools, gaming, sports, and military gear—to make housework appeal to men. 

However, the project isn’t just about well designed products; it highlights the absurdity of gendered marketing. Just as products have been unnecessarily "pinkified" to appeal to women, this project playfully flips the script, showing how silly it is that cleaning needs to be "rebranded" for men.