Bhagyashri Pawar Patil
Designing Technologies for Menstrual Health
The title of this study is Designing Technologies for Menstrual Health. The purpose to enhance women’s well-being, acknowledging different needs and lifestyles, e.g. not focusing on fertility, but including health conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) / Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) and access to support and healthcare when travelling or studying abroad. The study seeks to identify gaps in existing support systems and propose solutions and design recommendations for the potential development of health technologies supporting menstrual symptoms.
At the heart of this study lies the recognition of existing gaps in the support systems available to women, particularly concerning menstrual health and associated conditions. Despite the prevalence of these issues, there remains a notable dearth of resources and knowledge accessible to women. Existing mobile applications in the market predominantly offer period tracking functionalities, often with a primary emphasis on reproduction and fertility. However, these applications frequently fall short in providing effective support for managing menstrual symptoms, addressing broader health concerns, or catering to specific conditions such as PCOS/PCOD.
The primary objectives of the research can be delineated into two overarching goals. Firstly, the study aims to gain insights into how women perceive menstrual health issues and their awareness of the implications of these issues on their bodies. This includes exploring their experiences, challenges, and perceptions regarding menstrual health and associated conditions such as PCOS. Secondly, the research seeks to evaluate the efficacy and utility of existing mobile applications in addressing the aforementioned concerns. By conducting a comprehensive assessment of current market offerings, the study aims to identify gaps and shortcomings and propose design recommendations for tailored solutions catering to the unique needs of study abroad women and individuals facing similar challenges. In essence, this study endeavours to contribute to the advancement of women's health and well-being by addressing critical gaps in support systems and providing innovative solutions tailored to the needs of diverse user demographics, particularly those studying or living abroad. Through rigorous research and thoughtful design considerations, the aim is to empower women to better manage their menstrual health and associated conditions, ultimately fostering improved quality of life and overall well-being.
