Redesign Menstruation:
Cultural Probe
Redesigning Menstruation is a thought-provoking postgraduate dissertation project that addresses the emotional and sociocultural challenges of menstruation among young women in the UK. While existing menstrual products fulfill physical needs, they often fail to address the psychological and sociocultural difficulties associated with menstruation. By employing feminist speculative design, a critical and emerging design method, this project aims to provoke reflection and offer unique insights and potential solutions from a feminist perspective.
The research question at the core of this study is: How can feminist speculative design effectively address the emotional and sociocultural challenges of menstruation through menstrual products? The primary goal is to challenge the status quo and generate meaningful change in the current landscape of menstrual products.
One notable aspect of this project is the utilization of the cultural probe design method, specifically through the design of a cultural probe diary. By providing participants with disposable cameras, diaries, and other tools, the project invites active engagement and encourages participants to record their personal experiences and emotions within a predefined framework. This approach fosters a more proactive and responsive exploration of the emotional and sociocultural aspects of menstruation.
The layout of the cultural probe diary exemplifies the project's creative and inclusive approach. The metaphorical representation of the ocean as a symbol of menstruation invites participants to freely express their thoughts and feelings, encouraging them to explore their experiences as fish swimming in the sea. The hand-drawn style further stimulates creativity and empowers participants to respond in a personalized and expressive manner.
As an ongoing study, "Redesigning Menstruation: A Feminist Speculative Design Approach" aims to shed light on the lived experiences of women regarding emotional and sociocultural challenges related to menstruation. Through this innovative approach, the project strives to create meaningful dialogue, challenge societal norms, and ultimately contribute to the development of more empathetic and inclusive menstrual products for young women in the UK.
Tools use in this project:
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Procreate
July 2023