Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Süner Pla Cerda S., Kuru B.(Yürütücü), Yaşa İ., Seval U.
Yükseköğretim Kurumları Destekli Proje, 2023 - 2024
Menstrual health and hygiene are significant issues that affect approximately a quarter of the world's population. The menstrual
period lasts for an average of 30-35 years in the life of individuals, and more than 300 million women are menstruating every day
[1]. Although menstrual care products are a necessity for everyone who has menstruation, it may not be possible for every
individual to always have access to these products. It has been determined that 500 million people in the world do not have
access to menstrual products and adequate facilities for hygiene management [2]. In addition to its widespread physical and
emotional effects, menstruation also negatively affects participation in social life, work, and education. According to research, the
menstrual period leads to absenteeism at workplaces, schools, and universities [3]. However, 86% of menstruating women get
their period unexpectedly and without the right products in public toilet settings [4].
Cultural attitudes, taboos and dogmas can negatively affect the perception of menstruation and thus the experience, and
menstruation is often coded as something to be hidden or ashamed of [5]. In recent years, period-positivity movements that
question taboos and negative cultural codes on this subject have also come to the fore. This positive language is frequently
encountered in the campaigns of alternative menstrual products. Although the transformation of the perception of menstruation in
society is positive, it is also a fact that the menstrual experience is not always positive. Various rights-based approaches are also
gaining acceptance in this regard. Organized demands for the abolition of taxes on feminine hygiene products and the free
provision of these products by governments or institutions can be cited as examples. An active campaign is being carried out in
this regard at TED University [6]. Additionally, paid or free hygienic product vending machines in public toilets have started to be
widespread.
Menstruation experience in design is a topic of interest in recent years. Current studies seem to focus on the design and
experience of various physical products and technologies such as menstruation and fertility tracking applications [7], physical
designs of sanitary pads [8], user acceptance studies on menstrual cups [9], daily pad design and user experience [10]. The
main goal of this project is to contribute positively to the menstruation experience through design and to conduct user research
and product development process based on “positive design” and “design and well-being” approaches [11]. In this context,
positive design strategies that will encourage a culture of sharing and solidarity among individuals, as well as menstrual product
support, will be investigated through a holistic approach to the menstrual experience. As the level of education increases, the
positivity increases, and the taboos weaken. For this reason, TED University is selected as the pilot implementation field. By
employing a research-through-design approach, the outcome of the project will be identifying user-oriented design strategies for
the menstrual product dispenser and system interface designs that can be accessed in public toilets.
[References are given in the attachments.]