Metamorphic Web Design

Sometimes good design means accounting for people whose requirements are very different from your own. Sarah Dopp on web forms that don't make assumptions about gender.

The short version is that if you’re requiring users to select their gender from a drop-down menu that has two options in it, you’re alienating some people.

I think the SGOSelect form she links to is probably the best solution on offer. It defaults to a simple form for the 99% of users who have a simple answer to what gender they are, but also provides an advanced view for people who don't fit easily into traditional genders. The only thing I'd suggest is that the terms "Simple View" and "Advanced View" seem a little formal. How about "Traditional" and "It's more complicated than that".

It would be tempting to say that designing for a tiny fraction of users shouldn't be a priority, but I think this is an area where it pays off. Apart from the small number people who'll love you because you cared about something that's a constant annoyance for them, there will be a much larger group who don't need anything but the traditional options but will be impressed by your attention to detail.