under the hood
a girl's guide to her car
Problem
Young women car owners experience shame, anxiety, and limited access to necessary repairs and maintenance due to their limited knowledge about cars.
solution
Under the Hood is a guide that educates young women with information they will need to feel confident going to the mechanic by providing general knowledge about cars.
design considerations
Similar resources are sometimes demeaning, redundant and unorganized. Under the Hood is uplifting, concise, and has clear sections for easy navigation.
Similar resources have gender stereotyped pinks and reds. Under the Hood has a color scheme unrelated to gender stereotypes.
Similar resources are not very aesthetically pleasing or enjoyable to read through. Under the Hood has simplified and consistent illustrations and design with down to earth writing.
Under the Hood has listed estimated market prices for various car parts to empower women to come to a mechanic knowing how much something should cost.
Under the Hood was inspired by Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide by Patrice Banks. Reviews for the guide impacted design considerations.
Women who do not mention any expected price are quoted significantly higher prices than men in the same condition or women who mention market-based price expectations. However, once callers refer to a price, gender differences disappear.
Additionally, the study Repairing the Damage, found that if women knew prices of car parts when calling mechanics are quoted lower prices. Because of this, Under the Hood lists expected prices.
