2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Engineers, predominantly visual thinkers, have historically encountered engineering workspaces designed by men, for men. This trend continues, evident in the underrepresentation of women in the engineering sector. Contrary to the belief that women's departure from engineering is due to changing interests, many feel marginalized within many engineering environments.

In examining the representation in 100 AI-generated images of "engineering workplaces," 31 images included human "engineers." Disturbingly, all the depicted engineers were White males, with absolutely no representation of women. This illuminates the prevailing bias in AI interpretations, presenting engineering as a male-exclusive domain. To challenge this narrative, this study ventured to produce images inspired by descriptions from women at the onset of their engineering careers. It endeavors to explore the idea of inclusive engineering environments conceived by budding women civil engineers and to highlight strategies for creating more inclusive engineering imagery.

This initiative is a part of a broader qualitative narrative study, focusing on the stories of seven early-career women civil engineers (within their first 0-4 years professionally). Data was amassed through diverse methods, including semi-structured interviews, field observations, reflective diaries, and AI-generated illustrations of participants' dream workplaces. The research underscores the essence of inclusive engineering environments, championing the creation of participant-inspired spaces via AI visualizations. Findings reveal that these women picture their optimal engineering spaces as vibrant, lively, and cooperative havens. Alongside advocating for open-concept designs over the conventional walled cubicles, there's a unanimous call for nurturing zones featuring scenic views, rest areas, and wellness amenities like nutritious snacks and greenery. The study also suggests that with more flexibility, robust mentorship, consistent feedback, comprehensive performance reviews, and a better work-life equilibrium, early-career women engineers might find a more sustainable career path in engineering.

Emphasizing the visual elements that advocate for the inclusion of women engineers, this research has ramifications for recruiting and retaining talent, aiming to reshape engineering work environments and amplify diversity. It sheds light on the inherent bias in popular AI models and introduces AI-generated visuals of potential inclusive spaces for women engineers. The implications are far-reaching, involving all parties associated with the conception, construction, upkeep, and leadership of more inclusive engineering spaces. By adopting broader and more diverse perspectives to workplace and AI algorithm development, women engineers can more fully experience the notion that “if you can see it, you can be it".