Ashley Cho
Research Mentor(s): Xijin Hiraga
Mentor Department:
Authors: Ashley Cho
Session: Session 4 (1:00pm – 1:50pm)
Presentation Type: Creative Project
Abstract
The research project “The Future of Feminine Hygiene Products” focuses on women’s health and menstrual products, addressing persistent user pain-points and environmental concerns associated with current products on the shelves. Despite the design advancements of pads, tampons, and cups, many products still rely heavily on plastics and other unsustainable practices – exacerbating waste in production and in disposal. Additionally, unnecessary toxic materials and chemicals found inside these products can cause lasting harm and discomfort to the body. Through a combination of user surveys with 25 women, over 20 different reviews on a variety of products, and industrial design research on the leading companies in feminine hygiene, key design issues were identified. Many users have shared that certain products like cups were less likely to be used due to skepticism and fear. This research hopes to address these concerns by implementing familiar design aspects into the new design based on the menstrual cup. By utilizing 3D modeling and prototyping, this study develops a solution that combines the features of a menstrual cup, disc, and tampon. The designed cup offers a sustainable, safe, and comfortable alternative while introducing users to adopting the menstrual cups. This project aims to refine the current products and implement a further user-centered, environmentally responsible alternative through the process of research, case-studies, and industrial design fabrication and creation.
