LADY JANE
| Client: | Project Duration: | Role & Team: | Year: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fem-tech | 12 weeks | Solo Designer | 2022 |
CHALLENGE
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.
After some extensive market research, I found that nearly every existing product fed into the social stigma that menstruation is shameful, evidenced through the design choice to conceal the menstrual products within, thereby designing in part with menstrual etiquette.
But etiquette, like stigmatised conditions, depends on social, cultural, and historical contexts. And the good news is, that contexts can change!
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.
APPROACH
Research & Design Ideation
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 & Design Refinement
I completed a variety of prototypes to decide upon my final design. These included cardboard concept validation, plastic functionality exploration, a ureol material exploration, various form explorations through 3D printing, and final refinements through the utilisation of CAD (computer-aided design).
The design developments from user testing, included aesthetic development of the mesh design, size refinement of the interior width, and functionality optimisation through a screw-top lid.
OUTCOME
The Lady Jane is made from a highly durable 3D-printed metal with a gold-plated exterior for a sleek finish and luxurious feel. To ensure optimal security, the Lady Jane features 360- degree of 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. The product design continues with a screw-fastened lid and optional keyring attachment to provide a seamless user experience for women on the go.
Through the design of the Lady Jane, I hope that women feel the ability to express bodily autonomy over their menstruation and feel that their monthly menstrual cycles are not an inconvenience, but an empowering experience.
