Google | Personal Pronouns On google

SERVICES
Strategy, User Research, Content Design, Microcopy, Privacy & Compliance, Localization

THE PROJECT
Improve inclusion and representation in the workplace. A top request from Google Workplace clients was adding personal pronouns to Google ecosystem products — helping employees represent themselves authentically while reducing misgendering in the workplace.

THE STRATEGY
Oversee an inclusive, user-centered design process. We researched with cis, non-cis and transgender users to understand their views and needs. We worked with linguists, stakeholders, partner teams, GLAAD and other resource groups to align on the right content.

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
Leading on a sensitive, complex topic. Despite the prominence of pronouns, there’s no industry standard for displaying them. Usage varies globally, complicated by linguistic and legal complexities. Leading this work meant pushing through gridlock when there were no easy answers.

Adding Pronouns to Personal Info

Our user research revealed strong preference among LGBTQIA users for keeping pronouns separate from gender. We created an easy-to-find entry point for adding pronouns, with a description that uses clear but neutral language to convey the benefit of setting pronouns.

Pronouns Leaf Page

Users are clearly informed where pronouns will appear, and can control who can sees them. The custom pronoun field allows further personalization, and helps serve people working in languages with no agreed-upon gender neutral term.

Pronouns on Display

Pronouns appear whenever a user rolls over a contact on desktop, or taps them on mobile. The content design considered placement, syntax, capitalization, and more in determining how pronouns appear.

Account Home Call-Out

Top-of-page call-out helps users find the new pronouns feature and set their pronouns.