Lady Jane
No strings attached: menstrual product storage system
My Contribution
Research
Design
The Team
Solo Designer
Date
January 2023
No strings attached: menstrual product storage system
Key Takeaways
Objective: Rethinking menstrual product design to empower women.
Outcome: Creation of a fashionable, functional, and stigma-challenging product.
1. Project Overview
Too often women are caught unprepared by their periods, or their period flow is heavier than expected. These situations can place women in a position where they are forced to take evasive action in order to avoid an uncomfortable situation.
Statement of Design Intent
The design intent of this project is to develop a new menstrual device storage system with the goal of empowering women to display their menstrual products in both a fashionable and functional way whilst challenging society’s preconceptions of menstruation.
No strings attached: menstrual product storage system
Key Takeaways
Objective: Rethinking menstrual product design to empower women.
Outcome: Creation of a fashionable, functional, and stigma-challenging product.
1. Project Overview
Too often women are caught unprepared by their periods, or their period flow is heavier than expected. These situations can place women in a position where they are forced to take evasive action in order to avoid an uncomfortable situation.
Statement of Design Intent
The design intent of this project is to develop a new menstrual device storage system with the goal of empowering women to display their menstrual products in both a fashionable and functional way whilst challenging society’s preconceptions of menstruation.
No strings attached: menstrual product storage system
Key Takeaways
Objective: Rethinking menstrual product design to empower women.
Outcome: Creation of a fashionable, functional, and stigma-challenging product.
1. Project Overview
Too often women are caught unprepared by their periods, or their period flow is heavier than expected. These situations can place women in a position where they are forced to take evasive action in order to avoid an uncomfortable situation.
Statement of Design Intent
The design intent of this project is to develop a new menstrual device storage system with the goal of empowering women to display their menstrual products in both a fashionable and functional way whilst challenging society’s preconceptions of menstruation.
2. Data Collection Methods
To meet the necessary criteria within the statement of design intent, various forms of research methodology were used to further guide and develop the final design.
The data collection methods employed in this project encompassed several key phases:
Market Research: The initial step involved an in-depth examination of various menstrual products available in the market. This analysis aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of existing products, identify their shortcomings, and validate the need for a redesign.
Mood Boards: Mood boards were created using Pinterest, allowing for visual brainstorming and experimentation with different aesthetics. These boards served as reference tools during user interviews, facilitating a deeper understanding and yielding more significant insights.
Prototyping: Both physical and digital prototyping were pivotal in the design's evolution. The journey commenced with a cardboard mock-up, serving as a proof-of-concept to establish foundational design principles and bridge primary and secondary research findings.
Functional Prototyping: Plastic tubing and modified battery cases, nails, and PVC tubing were used in the next phase to create prototypes that focused on functionality. This step provided valuable insights into how the product would operate in real-world scenarios, gauging user preferences and uncovering pain points.
Material Exploration: The consideration of materials became increasingly crucial as design iterations advanced. Extensive testing of various materials was undertaken to assess qualities such as quality, durability, reusability, manufacturability, and appearance. These insights helped define the criteria for the final design.
Form Exploration: Form exploration was conducted in alignment with design objectives, guided by outcomes from material testing. CAD programs facilitated 3D printing of prototypes, offering advantages like precision and quick iterations for user testing.
User Testing and Feedback: The design process was enriched through user testing and feedback, fostering an open dialogue with the target audience. Research inquiries, questionnaires, and interviews were utilized to engage with users, ensuring the final design addressed their needs while striking a harmonious balance between form and function.
These meticulous data collection methods played a pivotal role in shaping and refining the Lady Jane project, ultimately leading to the creation of a user-centred, empowering product.
2. Data Collection Methods
To meet the necessary criteria within the statement of design intent, various forms of research methodology were used to further guide and develop the final design.
The data collection methods employed in this project encompassed several key phases:
Market Research: The initial step involved an in-depth examination of various menstrual products available in the market. This analysis aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of existing products, identify their shortcomings, and validate the need for a redesign.
Mood Boards: Mood boards were created using Pinterest, allowing for visual brainstorming and experimentation with different aesthetics. These boards served as reference tools during user interviews, facilitating a deeper understanding and yielding more significant insights.
Prototyping: Both physical and digital prototyping were pivotal in the design's evolution. The journey commenced with a cardboard mock-up, serving as a proof-of-concept to establish foundational design principles and bridge primary and secondary research findings.
Functional Prototyping: Plastic tubing and modified battery cases, nails, and PVC tubing were used in the next phase to create prototypes that focused on functionality. This step provided valuable insights into how the product would operate in real-world scenarios, gauging user preferences and uncovering pain points.
Material Exploration: The consideration of materials became increasingly crucial as design iterations advanced. Extensive testing of various materials was undertaken to assess qualities such as quality, durability, reusability, manufacturability, and appearance. These insights helped define the criteria for the final design.
Form Exploration: Form exploration was conducted in alignment with design objectives, guided by outcomes from material testing. CAD programs facilitated 3D printing of prototypes, offering advantages like precision and quick iterations for user testing.
User Testing and Feedback: The design process was enriched through user testing and feedback, fostering an open dialogue with the target audience. Research inquiries, questionnaires, and interviews were utilized to engage with users, ensuring the final design addressed their needs while striking a harmonious balance between form and function.
These meticulous data collection methods played a pivotal role in shaping and refining the Lady Jane project, ultimately leading to the creation of a user-centred, empowering product.
2. Data Collection Methods
To meet the necessary criteria within the statement of design intent, various forms of research methodology were used to further guide and develop the final design.
The data collection methods employed in this project encompassed several key phases:
Market Research: The initial step involved an in-depth examination of various menstrual products available in the market. This analysis aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of existing products, identify their shortcomings, and validate the need for a redesign.
Mood Boards: Mood boards were created using Pinterest, allowing for visual brainstorming and experimentation with different aesthetics. These boards served as reference tools during user interviews, facilitating a deeper understanding and yielding more significant insights.
Prototyping: Both physical and digital prototyping were pivotal in the design's evolution. The journey commenced with a cardboard mock-up, serving as a proof-of-concept to establish foundational design principles and bridge primary and secondary research findings.
Functional Prototyping: Plastic tubing and modified battery cases, nails, and PVC tubing were used in the next phase to create prototypes that focused on functionality. This step provided valuable insights into how the product would operate in real-world scenarios, gauging user preferences and uncovering pain points.
Material Exploration: The consideration of materials became increasingly crucial as design iterations advanced. Extensive testing of various materials was undertaken to assess qualities such as quality, durability, reusability, manufacturability, and appearance. These insights helped define the criteria for the final design.
Form Exploration: Form exploration was conducted in alignment with design objectives, guided by outcomes from material testing. CAD programs facilitated 3D printing of prototypes, offering advantages like precision and quick iterations for user testing.
User Testing and Feedback: The design process was enriched through user testing and feedback, fostering an open dialogue with the target audience. Research inquiries, questionnaires, and interviews were utilized to engage with users, ensuring the final design addressed their needs while striking a harmonious balance between form and function.
These meticulous data collection methods played a pivotal role in shaping and refining the Lady Jane project, ultimately leading to the creation of a user-centred, empowering product.
3. Results
Prototyping Experiment 1
Aim: Investigate an aesthetic approach to addressing the stigma associated with menstrual products for young menstruators.
Method: Conducted market research, created a mood board, and developed a cardboard prototype. Prototype-assisted user testing and interviews were employed.
Results: Following extensive market research, I discovered that nearly every existing product contributed to the social stigma that menstruation is shameful.
Discussion: Aside from contributing to the social stigma, users reported that the products were poorly designed, unattractive, and lacking in functionality. As a result, I created a mood board and moved forwards with a design that featured a clear exterior with gold accents. I also wanted to prioritise the use of an intricate design to make the product appear more high-end, sleek, and luxurious for young menstruators to use. This resulted in the creation of a low-fidelity cardboard mock-up to flesh out the concept design on a fundamental level. A small research enquiry was conducted in conjunction with these research methods for concept validation. The results were extremely encouraging, with 95% of respondents expressing interest in the product. This provided the proof of concept needed to continue with the design's development.
Prototyping Experiment 2A
Aim: Consolidate form and function considering socio-cultural trends to make the product more mainstream
Method: Used iterative drawings, physical and digital modelling, and 3D printed tests alongside user-guided interviews and questionnaires
Results: Generated numerous iterative designs. Questionnaire results identified sleek, simple, and pretty as desired aesthetics.
Discussion: This prompted further investigation of form and function, first by hand in the workshop and then on the computer with Solidworks and Fusion360. The initial physical model-making utilised plastic to explore function and ureol to explore form, however, these proved challenging to achieve accuracy and simple refinement. On the other hand, CAD programmes provided a quick and easy way to model and refine designs, as well as the potential for 3D printing. These to-scale prototypes aided in the understanding of how each design would appear and function in real life, as well as in user testing. The use of prototype-assisted user interviews resulted in further interrogation of areas requiring design development. The aesthetic development of the mesh design, size refinement of the interior width, and functionality optimisation through a screw-top lid were among the design developments.
Prototyping Experiment 2B
Aim: Investigate product utilisation through the optimisation of material choice.
Method: Conducted usability design analysis through participatory-led material investigations.
Results: A series of material options were chosen and investigated based on previous research methods and user feedback. Although leather, plastic, and metal were the most popular materials, overall reusability drove the results.
Discussion: Although not a material itself, respondents felt that reusability was the most important feature to include in the design. Users wanted the product to be environmentally friendly, and given that it was inspired by the body in its natural state, making it reusable seemed only natural. With these material options in mind, I chose metal because it was the most durable, long-lasting, and fit in with the target group's desired aesthetic. As a result, the majority of prototypes were 3D prints to mimic the durability and high quality of metal. These final prototypes enabled me to design and build a product that would satisfy users, ensuring that their design objectives were not only met, but exceeded.
3. Results
Prototyping Experiment 1
Aim: Investigate an aesthetic approach to addressing the stigma associated with menstrual products for young menstruators.
Method: Conducted market research, created a mood board, and developed a cardboard prototype. Prototype-assisted user testing and interviews were employed.
Results: Following extensive market research, I discovered that nearly every existing product contributed to the social stigma that menstruation is shameful.
Discussion: Aside from contributing to the social stigma, users reported that the products were poorly designed, unattractive, and lacking in functionality. As a result, I created a mood board and moved forwards with a design that featured a clear exterior with gold accents. I also wanted to prioritise the use of an intricate design to make the product appear more high-end, sleek, and luxurious for young menstruators to use. This resulted in the creation of a low-fidelity cardboard mock-up to flesh out the concept design on a fundamental level. A small research enquiry was conducted in conjunction with these research methods for concept validation. The results were extremely encouraging, with 95% of respondents expressing interest in the product. This provided the proof of concept needed to continue with the design's development.
Prototyping Experiment 2A
Aim: Consolidate form and function considering socio-cultural trends to make the product more mainstream
Method: Used iterative drawings, physical and digital modelling, and 3D printed tests alongside user-guided interviews and questionnaires
Results: Generated numerous iterative designs. Questionnaire results identified sleek, simple, and pretty as desired aesthetics.
Discussion: This prompted further investigation of form and function, first by hand in the workshop and then on the computer with Solidworks and Fusion360. The initial physical model-making utilised plastic to explore function and ureol to explore form, however, these proved challenging to achieve accuracy and simple refinement. On the other hand, CAD programmes provided a quick and easy way to model and refine designs, as well as the potential for 3D printing. These to-scale prototypes aided in the understanding of how each design would appear and function in real life, as well as in user testing. The use of prototype-assisted user interviews resulted in further interrogation of areas requiring design development. The aesthetic development of the mesh design, size refinement of the interior width, and functionality optimisation through a screw-top lid were among the design developments.
Prototyping Experiment 2B
Aim: Investigate product utilisation through the optimisation of material choice.
Method: Conducted usability design analysis through participatory-led material investigations.
Results: A series of material options were chosen and investigated based on previous research methods and user feedback. Although leather, plastic, and metal were the most popular materials, overall reusability drove the results.
Discussion: Although not a material itself, respondents felt that reusability was the most important feature to include in the design. Users wanted the product to be environmentally friendly, and given that it was inspired by the body in its natural state, making it reusable seemed only natural. With these material options in mind, I chose metal because it was the most durable, long-lasting, and fit in with the target group's desired aesthetic. As a result, the majority of prototypes were 3D prints to mimic the durability and high quality of metal. These final prototypes enabled me to design and build a product that would satisfy users, ensuring that their design objectives were not only met, but exceeded.
3. Results
Prototyping Experiment 1
Aim: Investigate an aesthetic approach to addressing the stigma associated with menstrual products for young menstruators.
Method: Conducted market research, created a mood board, and developed a cardboard prototype. Prototype-assisted user testing and interviews were employed.
Results: Following extensive market research, I discovered that nearly every existing product contributed to the social stigma that menstruation is shameful.
Discussion: Aside from contributing to the social stigma, users reported that the products were poorly designed, unattractive, and lacking in functionality. As a result, I created a mood board and moved forwards with a design that featured a clear exterior with gold accents. I also wanted to prioritise the use of an intricate design to make the product appear more high-end, sleek, and luxurious for young menstruators to use. This resulted in the creation of a low-fidelity cardboard mock-up to flesh out the concept design on a fundamental level. A small research enquiry was conducted in conjunction with these research methods for concept validation. The results were extremely encouraging, with 95% of respondents expressing interest in the product. This provided the proof of concept needed to continue with the design's development.
Prototyping Experiment 2A
Aim: Consolidate form and function considering socio-cultural trends to make the product more mainstream
Method: Used iterative drawings, physical and digital modelling, and 3D printed tests alongside user-guided interviews and questionnaires
Results: Generated numerous iterative designs. Questionnaire results identified sleek, simple, and pretty as desired aesthetics.
Discussion: This prompted further investigation of form and function, first by hand in the workshop and then on the computer with Solidworks and Fusion360. The initial physical model-making utilised plastic to explore function and ureol to explore form, however, these proved challenging to achieve accuracy and simple refinement. On the other hand, CAD programmes provided a quick and easy way to model and refine designs, as well as the potential for 3D printing. These to-scale prototypes aided in the understanding of how each design would appear and function in real life, as well as in user testing. The use of prototype-assisted user interviews resulted in further interrogation of areas requiring design development. The aesthetic development of the mesh design, size refinement of the interior width, and functionality optimisation through a screw-top lid were among the design developments.
Prototyping Experiment 2B
Aim: Investigate product utilisation through the optimisation of material choice.
Method: Conducted usability design analysis through participatory-led material investigations.
Results: A series of material options were chosen and investigated based on previous research methods and user feedback. Although leather, plastic, and metal were the most popular materials, overall reusability drove the results.
Discussion: Although not a material itself, respondents felt that reusability was the most important feature to include in the design. Users wanted the product to be environmentally friendly, and given that it was inspired by the body in its natural state, making it reusable seemed only natural. With these material options in mind, I chose metal because it was the most durable, long-lasting, and fit in with the target group's desired aesthetic. As a result, the majority of prototypes were 3D prints to mimic the durability and high quality of metal. These final prototypes enabled me to design and build a product that would satisfy users, ensuring that their design objectives were not only met, but exceeded.
4. Design Brief
Statement of design intent
The design intent of this project is to develop a new menstrual device storage system to empower women to display their menstrual products in both a fashionable and functional way whilst challenging society’s preconceptions of menstruation.
Business case
This design will be commercialised as the Lady Jane through the launch of a new product within a body-positive start-up. Named after one of Sydney's most divisive nudist beaches, this highlights the concept of regaining bodily autonomy and embraces the concept of pride in one's natural state. The second reason for the start-up is that it allows for a variety of products to be produced and sold alongside one another, creating the ideal platform for them to be marketed on.
4. Design Brief
Statement of design intent
The design intent of this project is to develop a new menstrual device storage system to empower women to display their menstrual products in both a fashionable and functional way whilst challenging society’s preconceptions of menstruation.
Business case
This design will be commercialised as the Lady Jane through the launch of a new product within a body-positive start-up. Named after one of Sydney's most divisive nudist beaches, this highlights the concept of regaining bodily autonomy and embraces the concept of pride in one's natural state. The second reason for the start-up is that it allows for a variety of products to be produced and sold alongside one another, creating the ideal platform for them to be marketed on.
4. Design Brief
Statement of design intent
The design intent of this project is to develop a new menstrual device storage system to empower women to display their menstrual products in both a fashionable and functional way whilst challenging society’s preconceptions of menstruation.
Business case
This design will be commercialised as the Lady Jane through the launch of a new product within a body-positive start-up. Named after one of Sydney's most divisive nudist beaches, this highlights the concept of regaining bodily autonomy and embraces the concept of pride in one's natural state. The second reason for the start-up is that it allows for a variety of products to be produced and sold alongside one another, creating the ideal platform for them to be marketed on.
5. Design Development
Ideation
First Set of Ideations - Nature-Inspired
The initial ideation focused on seashells and oysters, drawing inspiration from nature's organic shapes. These designs prioritized aesthetics over functionality, aiming to mimic the beauty of seashells. They incorporated mechanisms like sliding and lifting to unveil and dispense a single emergency tampon. These concepts symbolically tied menstruation to natural elements like aphrodisiacs and fertility. However, feedback from the studio suggested that these symbolic associations were somewhat detached from the core purpose of the product.
Second Set of Concepts - Emphasizing Functionality
The second set of concept iterations was created with functionality in mind. These designs were inspired by existing lipstick and cigarette cases and mimicked the minimal aesthetic of current keychain accessories. These concepts achieved increased functionality by allowing users to attach it to their keychain or purse while carrying several tampons at once. However, studio feedback revealed that these concepts lacked the ability to challenge the social stigma of menstruation and required more tampon visibility.
Third Set of Iterations - Prioritizing Visibility and Luxury
The third set of iterations was designed in Adobe Illustrator with the new goal of increasing tampon visibility while also allowing for keychain attachment. These designs were inspired by the mood board in Prototyping Experiment 1 and were intended to be luxurious, aesthetically pleasing enough to display on a keyring, and functional. The goal of these designs was to empower women while also displaying the tampon inside, thereby challenging the social stigma associated with menstruation.
Refinement Based on Feedback
Based on feedback from peers and studio leaders, a single design was selected for further refinement. This emergency tampon capsule harmonized form and function to meet the criteria established in Prototyping Experiment 2A. It accommodated a single tampon, featuring a cylindrical shape and slim design for comfortable handling. The intricate filigree design provided comprehensive 360-degree support to protect the tampon while adding a touch of luxury with gold finishing. Importantly, the design allowed the tampon to be visible through the gold openings, actively challenging menstrual stigma. Symbolic lotus flower imagery, representing the uterus and the monthly cycle of fertility, further emphasized the celebration of menstruation. The design received favourable feedback, setting the stage for the prototyping phase.
This journey of ideation and refinement underscores the evolution of design concepts, ultimately leading to a product that combines functionality, aesthetics, and a powerful challenge to menstrual stigma.
Prototype Refinement
The most informative and critical part of the design process was prototyping. Working hands-on to bring the concept iterations to life provided an opportunity to gain insights into areas for improvement. Prototype refinements, in collaboration with user testing, were required to guide the development of my final design.
The first major prototyping segment of the design process began with a focus on functionality. This prototype (see Figure 5.5) demonstrated the usability that the product would aim to achieve by utilising plastic piping and a battery case. It allowed the user to pull the product segments, which were then clicked into place using pins. This would expose the tampon, which is held in place by a spring and flush cylindrical bedding to prevent it from falling out. The user can then take the tampon out or insert one before snapping it shut with magnets holding it together. Although this product was functional, user testing and feedback from my target audience revealed that this mechanism did not provide sufficient protection and that they were particularly worried that it would accidentally open on occasion.
The following prototype investigated design by utilising symmetry to create patterns (see Figure 5.6). Inspired by the shape and formation of blood droplets, this concept attempted to incorporate imagery of menstruation into the product's exterior appearance. This prototype also investigated how a design could be handcrafted in a workshop. This ureol-based prototype demonstrated how easily inaccuracies can be created. This resulted in a shift in focus, with the new goal of creating a design on the computer to achieve greater efficiency and accuracy.
The next prototype was designed and 3D printed in Solidworks for further exploration of form and function. The main design feature is the tampon's default position in the centre of the product for maximum impact. This model was intended to be cast and moulded out of silicon, which would improve the product's usability by making it malleable enough to easily remove or insert a tampon inside. Another advantage of using silicon as a material is that the product can loop through itself and be attached to any hook or keychain.
This CAD model was a significant step forwards in my design progression. Although this design did not match the desired aesthetic, it gave me the confidence to continue prototyping using CAD software such as Solidworks and Fusion360 in the development of my final prototype.
The final prototype was developed using previous feedback, research insights, and user testing. These design advancements included aesthetic mesh design development , interior width size refinement, and functionality optimisation through a slim screw-top lid. This prototype was developed in Fusion360 and Solidworks for speed and efficiency of refinement, and 3D printing software was adopted to maximise manufacturability.
Appearance Model
The appearance model was created through a lengthy process of CAD modelling, 3D printing, sanding, priming, and spray painting.
The final design, which is a perfect balance of form and function, allows the user to attach the device to their keychain, bag, or outfit and can fit any tampon inside.
5. Design Development
Ideation
First Set of Ideations - Nature-Inspired
The initial ideation focused on seashells and oysters, drawing inspiration from nature's organic shapes. These designs prioritized aesthetics over functionality, aiming to mimic the beauty of seashells. They incorporated mechanisms like sliding and lifting to unveil and dispense a single emergency tampon. These concepts symbolically tied menstruation to natural elements like aphrodisiacs and fertility. However, feedback from the studio suggested that these symbolic associations were somewhat detached from the core purpose of the product.
Second Set of Concepts - Emphasizing Functionality
The second set of concept iterations was created with functionality in mind. These designs were inspired by existing lipstick and cigarette cases and mimicked the minimal aesthetic of current keychain accessories. These concepts achieved increased functionality by allowing users to attach it to their keychain or purse while carrying several tampons at once. However, studio feedback revealed that these concepts lacked the ability to challenge the social stigma of menstruation and required more tampon visibility.
Third Set of Iterations - Prioritizing Visibility and Luxury
The third set of iterations was designed in Adobe Illustrator with the new goal of increasing tampon visibility while also allowing for keychain attachment. These designs were inspired by the mood board in Prototyping Experiment 1 and were intended to be luxurious, aesthetically pleasing enough to display on a keyring, and functional. The goal of these designs was to empower women while also displaying the tampon inside, thereby challenging the social stigma associated with menstruation.
Refinement Based on Feedback
Based on feedback from peers and studio leaders, a single design was selected for further refinement. This emergency tampon capsule harmonized form and function to meet the criteria established in Prototyping Experiment 2A. It accommodated a single tampon, featuring a cylindrical shape and slim design for comfortable handling. The intricate filigree design provided comprehensive 360-degree support to protect the tampon while adding a touch of luxury with gold finishing. Importantly, the design allowed the tampon to be visible through the gold openings, actively challenging menstrual stigma. Symbolic lotus flower imagery, representing the uterus and the monthly cycle of fertility, further emphasized the celebration of menstruation. The design received favourable feedback, setting the stage for the prototyping phase.
This journey of ideation and refinement underscores the evolution of design concepts, ultimately leading to a product that combines functionality, aesthetics, and a powerful challenge to menstrual stigma.
Prototype Refinement
The most informative and critical part of the design process was prototyping. Working hands-on to bring the concept iterations to life provided an opportunity to gain insights into areas for improvement. Prototype refinements, in collaboration with user testing, were required to guide the development of my final design.
The first major prototyping segment of the design process began with a focus on functionality. This prototype (see Figure 5.5) demonstrated the usability that the product would aim to achieve by utilising plastic piping and a battery case. It allowed the user to pull the product segments, which were then clicked into place using pins. This would expose the tampon, which is held in place by a spring and flush cylindrical bedding to prevent it from falling out. The user can then take the tampon out or insert one before snapping it shut with magnets holding it together. Although this product was functional, user testing and feedback from my target audience revealed that this mechanism did not provide sufficient protection and that they were particularly worried that it would accidentally open on occasion.
The following prototype investigated design by utilising symmetry to create patterns (see Figure 5.6). Inspired by the shape and formation of blood droplets, this concept attempted to incorporate imagery of menstruation into the product's exterior appearance. This prototype also investigated how a design could be handcrafted in a workshop. This ureol-based prototype demonstrated how easily inaccuracies can be created. This resulted in a shift in focus, with the new goal of creating a design on the computer to achieve greater efficiency and accuracy.
The next prototype was designed and 3D printed in Solidworks for further exploration of form and function. The main design feature is the tampon's default position in the centre of the product for maximum impact. This model was intended to be cast and moulded out of silicon, which would improve the product's usability by making it malleable enough to easily remove or insert a tampon inside. Another advantage of using silicon as a material is that the product can loop through itself and be attached to any hook or keychain.
This CAD model was a significant step forwards in my design progression. Although this design did not match the desired aesthetic, it gave me the confidence to continue prototyping using CAD software such as Solidworks and Fusion360 in the development of my final prototype.
The final prototype was developed using previous feedback, research insights, and user testing. These design advancements included aesthetic mesh design development , interior width size refinement, and functionality optimisation through a slim screw-top lid. This prototype was developed in Fusion360 and Solidworks for speed and efficiency of refinement, and 3D printing software was adopted to maximise manufacturability.
Appearance Model
The appearance model was created through a lengthy process of CAD modelling, 3D printing, sanding, priming, and spray painting.
The final design, which is a perfect balance of form and function, allows the user to attach the device to their keychain, bag, or outfit and can fit any tampon inside.
5. Design Development
Ideation
First Set of Ideations - Nature-Inspired
The initial ideation focused on seashells and oysters, drawing inspiration from nature's organic shapes. These designs prioritized aesthetics over functionality, aiming to mimic the beauty of seashells. They incorporated mechanisms like sliding and lifting to unveil and dispense a single emergency tampon. These concepts symbolically tied menstruation to natural elements like aphrodisiacs and fertility. However, feedback from the studio suggested that these symbolic associations were somewhat detached from the core purpose of the product.
Second Set of Concepts - Emphasizing Functionality
The second set of concept iterations was created with functionality in mind. These designs were inspired by existing lipstick and cigarette cases and mimicked the minimal aesthetic of current keychain accessories. These concepts achieved increased functionality by allowing users to attach it to their keychain or purse while carrying several tampons at once. However, studio feedback revealed that these concepts lacked the ability to challenge the social stigma of menstruation and required more tampon visibility.
Third Set of Iterations - Prioritizing Visibility and Luxury
The third set of iterations was designed in Adobe Illustrator with the new goal of increasing tampon visibility while also allowing for keychain attachment. These designs were inspired by the mood board in Prototyping Experiment 1 and were intended to be luxurious, aesthetically pleasing enough to display on a keyring, and functional. The goal of these designs was to empower women while also displaying the tampon inside, thereby challenging the social stigma associated with menstruation.
Refinement Based on Feedback
Based on feedback from peers and studio leaders, a single design was selected for further refinement. This emergency tampon capsule harmonized form and function to meet the criteria established in Prototyping Experiment 2A. It accommodated a single tampon, featuring a cylindrical shape and slim design for comfortable handling. The intricate filigree design provided comprehensive 360-degree support to protect the tampon while adding a touch of luxury with gold finishing. Importantly, the design allowed the tampon to be visible through the gold openings, actively challenging menstrual stigma. Symbolic lotus flower imagery, representing the uterus and the monthly cycle of fertility, further emphasized the celebration of menstruation. The design received favourable feedback, setting the stage for the prototyping phase.
This journey of ideation and refinement underscores the evolution of design concepts, ultimately leading to a product that combines functionality, aesthetics, and a powerful challenge to menstrual stigma.
Prototype Refinement
The most informative and critical part of the design process was prototyping. Working hands-on to bring the concept iterations to life provided an opportunity to gain insights into areas for improvement. Prototype refinements, in collaboration with user testing, were required to guide the development of my final design.
The first major prototyping segment of the design process began with a focus on functionality. This prototype (see Figure 5.5) demonstrated the usability that the product would aim to achieve by utilising plastic piping and a battery case. It allowed the user to pull the product segments, which were then clicked into place using pins. This would expose the tampon, which is held in place by a spring and flush cylindrical bedding to prevent it from falling out. The user can then take the tampon out or insert one before snapping it shut with magnets holding it together. Although this product was functional, user testing and feedback from my target audience revealed that this mechanism did not provide sufficient protection and that they were particularly worried that it would accidentally open on occasion.
The following prototype investigated design by utilising symmetry to create patterns (see Figure 5.6). Inspired by the shape and formation of blood droplets, this concept attempted to incorporate imagery of menstruation into the product's exterior appearance. This prototype also investigated how a design could be handcrafted in a workshop. This ureol-based prototype demonstrated how easily inaccuracies can be created. This resulted in a shift in focus, with the new goal of creating a design on the computer to achieve greater efficiency and accuracy.
The next prototype was designed and 3D printed in Solidworks for further exploration of form and function. The main design feature is the tampon's default position in the centre of the product for maximum impact. This model was intended to be cast and moulded out of silicon, which would improve the product's usability by making it malleable enough to easily remove or insert a tampon inside. Another advantage of using silicon as a material is that the product can loop through itself and be attached to any hook or keychain.
This CAD model was a significant step forwards in my design progression. Although this design did not match the desired aesthetic, it gave me the confidence to continue prototyping using CAD software such as Solidworks and Fusion360 in the development of my final prototype.
The final prototype was developed using previous feedback, research insights, and user testing. These design advancements included aesthetic mesh design development , interior width size refinement, and functionality optimisation through a slim screw-top lid. This prototype was developed in Fusion360 and Solidworks for speed and efficiency of refinement, and 3D printing software was adopted to maximise manufacturability.
Appearance Model
The appearance model was created through a lengthy process of CAD modelling, 3D printing, sanding, priming, and spray painting.
The final design, which is a perfect balance of form and function, allows the user to attach the device to their keychain, bag, or outfit and can fit any tampon inside.
6. Final Design
Description
The Lady Jane has a highly durable 3D-printed metal exterior with gold plating for a sleek finish and luxurious feel.
Designed to mimic the shape of a tampon, the mesh-like structure is optimised to both perfectly fit and discreetly display the tampon inside.
Similar to previous menstrual product storage systems, the dimensions of the Lady Jane (see Figure 4.1) are determined by the size of the products that fit within. With an overall length of 85mm, the product is small enough to fit comfortably in the user's hand. The Lady Jane also has an interior diameter of 15mm, allowing for the utilisation of various tampon sizes
A discrete hook feature enables easy, optional attachment to keyrings or purses, making it the ideal product for on-the-go use.
Features
The Lady Jane features a screw-fastened mechanism that allows for quick and easy access while also ensuring a tight seal. It also has 360-degree structural support as per the optimisation of an organic lattice structure, thereby optimising tampon security.
6. Final Design
Description
The Lady Jane has a highly durable 3D-printed metal exterior with gold plating for a sleek finish and luxurious feel.
Designed to mimic the shape of a tampon, the mesh-like structure is optimised to both perfectly fit and discreetly display the tampon inside.
Similar to previous menstrual product storage systems, the dimensions of the Lady Jane (see Figure 4.1) are determined by the size of the products that fit within. With an overall length of 85mm, the product is small enough to fit comfortably in the user's hand. The Lady Jane also has an interior diameter of 15mm, allowing for the utilisation of various tampon sizes
A discrete hook feature enables easy, optional attachment to keyrings or purses, making it the ideal product for on-the-go use.
Features
The Lady Jane features a screw-fastened mechanism that allows for quick and easy access while also ensuring a tight seal. It also has 360-degree structural support as per the optimisation of an organic lattice structure, thereby optimising tampon security.
6. Final Design
Description
The Lady Jane has a highly durable 3D-printed metal exterior with gold plating for a sleek finish and luxurious feel.
Designed to mimic the shape of a tampon, the mesh-like structure is optimised to both perfectly fit and discreetly display the tampon inside.
Similar to previous menstrual product storage systems, the dimensions of the Lady Jane (see Figure 4.1) are determined by the size of the products that fit within. With an overall length of 85mm, the product is small enough to fit comfortably in the user's hand. The Lady Jane also has an interior diameter of 15mm, allowing for the utilisation of various tampon sizes
A discrete hook feature enables easy, optional attachment to keyrings or purses, making it the ideal product for on-the-go use.
Features
The Lady Jane features a screw-fastened mechanism that allows for quick and easy access while also ensuring a tight seal. It also has 360-degree structural support as per the optimisation of an organic lattice structure, thereby optimising tampon security.
Conclusion
To conclude, the design intent of this project was to develop a new menstrual device storage system to empower women to display their menstrual products in both a fashionable and functional way, whilst challenging society’s preconceptions of menstruation. Menstrual product design storage systems currently on the market perpetuate and reinstate the social stigma associated with menstruation through awkwardly shaped exteriors and outdated appearances, which further create feelings of shame and embarrassment for the user when forced to negotiate its use in public. To meet the necessary criteria within the statement of design intent, various forms of research methodology were used to further guide and develop the final design. A series of ideation, prototyping, and testing exercises were held in collaboration with users to create a final product (see Figure 6.1) that met form and function objectives.
The final design marketed as the Lady Jane is made from a highly durable 3D-printed metal with a gold-plated exterior for a sleek finish and luxurious feel (see Figure 6.2). To ensure optimal security, the Lady Jane features 360-degree structural support through the optimisation of an organic lattice structure for maximum tampon protection. The mesh-like structure is designed to mimic the shape of a tampon and is optimised to both perfectly fit and discreetly display the tampon inside. With an overall length of 85mm and an interior diameter of 15mm, the Lady Jane can accommodate any sized tampon whilst still being small enough to fit comfortably in the user's hand. With the addition of a screw-fastened lid and optional keyring attachment, product interaction is quick and efficient (see Figure 6.3), providing a seamless user experience for women on the go.
Thus, the significance of the Lady Jane design lies in women's ability to express bodily autonomy over their menstruation and feel that their monthly menstrual cycles are an empowering experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the design intent of this project was to develop a new menstrual device storage system to empower women to display their menstrual products in both a fashionable and functional way, whilst challenging society’s preconceptions of menstruation. Menstrual product design storage systems currently on the market perpetuate and reinstate the social stigma associated with menstruation through awkwardly shaped exteriors and outdated appearances, which further create feelings of shame and embarrassment for the user when forced to negotiate its use in public. To meet the necessary criteria within the statement of design intent, various forms of research methodology were used to further guide and develop the final design. A series of ideation, prototyping, and testing exercises were held in collaboration with users to create a final product (see Figure 6.1) that met form and function objectives.
The final design marketed as the Lady Jane is made from a highly durable 3D-printed metal with a gold-plated exterior for a sleek finish and luxurious feel (see Figure 6.2). To ensure optimal security, the Lady Jane features 360-degree structural support through the optimisation of an organic lattice structure for maximum tampon protection. The mesh-like structure is designed to mimic the shape of a tampon and is optimised to both perfectly fit and discreetly display the tampon inside. With an overall length of 85mm and an interior diameter of 15mm, the Lady Jane can accommodate any sized tampon whilst still being small enough to fit comfortably in the user's hand. With the addition of a screw-fastened lid and optional keyring attachment, product interaction is quick and efficient (see Figure 6.3), providing a seamless user experience for women on the go.
Thus, the significance of the Lady Jane design lies in women's ability to express bodily autonomy over their menstruation and feel that their monthly menstrual cycles are an empowering experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the design intent of this project was to develop a new menstrual device storage system to empower women to display their menstrual products in both a fashionable and functional way, whilst challenging society’s preconceptions of menstruation. Menstrual product design storage systems currently on the market perpetuate and reinstate the social stigma associated with menstruation through awkwardly shaped exteriors and outdated appearances, which further create feelings of shame and embarrassment for the user when forced to negotiate its use in public. To meet the necessary criteria within the statement of design intent, various forms of research methodology were used to further guide and develop the final design. A series of ideation, prototyping, and testing exercises were held in collaboration with users to create a final product (see Figure 6.1) that met form and function objectives.
The final design marketed as the Lady Jane is made from a highly durable 3D-printed metal with a gold-plated exterior for a sleek finish and luxurious feel (see Figure 6.2). To ensure optimal security, the Lady Jane features 360-degree structural support through the optimisation of an organic lattice structure for maximum tampon protection. The mesh-like structure is designed to mimic the shape of a tampon and is optimised to both perfectly fit and discreetly display the tampon inside. With an overall length of 85mm and an interior diameter of 15mm, the Lady Jane can accommodate any sized tampon whilst still being small enough to fit comfortably in the user's hand. With the addition of a screw-fastened lid and optional keyring attachment, product interaction is quick and efficient (see Figure 6.3), providing a seamless user experience for women on the go.
Thus, the significance of the Lady Jane design lies in women's ability to express bodily autonomy over their menstruation and feel that their monthly menstrual cycles are an empowering experience.
Happy to see you here, Lets connect!
Happy to see you here, Lets connect!
2023 Hannie Heilpern || Made with love
2023 Hannie Heilpern || Made with love