Developing Sharing and Collaboration Driven Design Strategies for Positive Menstrual Experience


Süner Pla Cerda S., Kuru B.(Executive), Yaşa İ., Seval U.

Project Supported by Higher Education Institutions, 2023 - 2024

  • Project Type: Project Supported by Higher Education Institutions
  • Begin Date: February 2023
  • End Date: February 2024

Project Abstract

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.]