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How might we design a sustainable product to provide a comfortable and effortless experience for women during menstruation ?
The Problem :
The disposable menstrual products cause harmful environmental impacts. According to the research conducted by Harvard Business school in 2016, approximately 20 billion sanitary napkins, tampons, and applicators are dumped annually in the landfills of North America. An average American woman produced around 62,415 pounds of garbage during her fertile years. Menstruation is inevitable and so is the increasing menstrual waste in the landfill contributing to ocean pollution and climate impact. Women are aware of these hazardous impacts. However, they are uncomfortable with the available sustainable alternatives such as washable menstrual pads and tampons and menstrual cups.
Insights
After researching market trends of current products and collecting secondary research data, we framed an online survey for women in the USA. By using this method, women had complete privacy while sharing their menstrual experience, beliefs and the products they used during their monthly cycle.
Ideation
With insights in mind, we developed a form that would provide women with a comfortable and effective way to use a cup.
Branding
After choosing our color palette, we thought of creating our own font which would connect our end users with the sustainable features of our product.
First Iteration
The form of the cup is inspired by the biological shape of a vagina. It has a lifted lip to simplify the folding and insertion of the cup. The removable plug will enable to drain blood and the protective layer around it provides a mess-free experience while draining.
Packaging Concept
A card with instructions will enable women to use the cup efficiently.
Second Iteration
Once the form was designed, we designed a digital survey and conducted personal interviews with women who use menstrual cups to understand their experience of interacting with menstrual cups in the public and private restroom environment
Journey Mapping
Ideation
Affinitizing and articulating the accumulated data led us to the development of our final product and package.
Final Packaging
An explanatory guide which will enable user to view the details of the product and simplify the decision making process while making a choice for their menstrual product.
Final Design
We angled the top lip for easier insertion, holes that would allow suction to break, ripples at the base of the cup for grip, enlarged the skirt and attached the plug to the stem for easier handling. In the package design for the cup, a part of the cover works as a reusable water bottle. It enables the user to rinse and reuse the cup in a public restroom
Sustainable Materials
Over the course of ten weeks, we were able to uncover innovative and sustainable material solutions.
Materials Overview
Product Life Cycle
From beginning to end this product can be used and disposed of, guilt free.
