Problem Statement: “Why is working as an elevator technician and staircase technician not considered a career for young Swiss women? What can be done to change that reality?”

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Background: Schindler, a Swiss multinational company that manufactures escalators, moving walkways, and elevators worldwide. Schindler as a future-driven and fast-growing company works every day to update and adapt themselves to the modern world. One of their challenges is the lack of women in their field jobs. 

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Methodology: Cultural Mapping, Cultural Probes, System Mapping, Semi-structured Interviews, Focus Groups.

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Outcome:  From the answers retrieved from the Ethnographic Probe and the Interview with Lift technicians, we extracted the most relevant information and also attempted to observe the formation of patterns if there were any and further analyse those patterns. This way we were able to draw out assorted findings. The findings brought up by the ethnographic probes imply that the job has a considerate amount of stereotypes such as the job is of low hygienic nature and a male-dominant profession.

The findings from the interviews with the lift technicians suggest that the work of Lift Technician is for those who enjoy working alone and desire freedom. The nature of the job demands basic physical fitness, strength and mental agility. It is for those who enjoy solving complex breakdown and have a ground understanding of STEM topics and it also serves as a base for higher technical professions. The Lift Technicians admitted they were gratified by being able to help others. They see there is an opportunity to travel in the job. At the core, we determined an insight based on all the findings we gathered:

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“Heroism is a characteristic that youngsters idealise in a job”

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Whom: Schindler.

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Role: Design Researcher.

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When and Where:  Ebikon, Switzerland. 2020

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For more details please do not hesitate to contact me.

All image rights belong to Schindler Switzerland AG.