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28th January 2021

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Gender differences using technology highlighted by survey

Men are baffled by washing machines while women can't get their heads around smart phone, research revealed this month.

A study of 2,000 adults found while most blokes can comfortably 'drive' a string of household electrical gadgets a few of them regularly prove to be a step too far. A quarter of men admitted they had no idea how to use their washing machine and a similar number were clueless when it came to using the grill or oven.

Women on the other hand were more likely to struggle with turning off their children's games console and getting their smartphone or mp3 player to work.

The challenges provided by everyday life emerged in a report commissioned by Amica appliances to mark the release of its new intuitive controlled I-cook Platinum ovens and hobs.

''This research supports our findings in store - women have no problem navigating their way around appliances in the kitchen but men seem to be far more interested in hand held gadgetry and as a result master new technology with excitement and ease," explains Simon Freear from Amica UK.

"Kitchen appliances are viewed as more mundane and as a manufacturer we are hoping to help change this view."

The study found that men struggle to get to grips with nine household gadgets or appliances. These include the tumble dryer, dishwasher, iron, oven, vacuum, hob and food mixer.

Women find a total of 14 gadgets hard-going - including the laptop or PC, printer, Sky + and digital cameras. They also struggle to overcome problems with the video camera.

The report found gadgets which regularly confuse both sexes include the vacuum, mobile phones and the grill.

It also emerged that men are normally too proud to ask their partner for help and instead are more prone to hit or break something. Women on the other hand are happier to leave it to their partner to master the more complicated household gadgets or just give up entirely.

While women happily admit they aren't always up to speed with electronic household goods, they were more likely to turn to the instruction manual than men, who plough on without reading the user's guide.

It also emerged the average adult is stumped at least once every day by technology, with one in six seeking help twice a day.

And typically around six minutes of the day is wasted trying to get to grips with gadgets around the house.

''Six minutes a day spent struggling with technology equates to one and half days a year. Consumers may benefit by looking for products that offer very simple programming to avoid this waste this time," suggests Simon Freear.

T: 01425 461600
E: [email protected]
W: www.amica-international.co.uk

20th January 2012