Award
Best Impact Award
Context
11th Annual University of Washington’s Women in Informatics (WINFO) Hackathon
Duration
12 hours
Tools
Figma
My Role
UX Designer
Team
1 Project Manager
1 UX Researcher
2 UX Designers
Contribution
Secondary and Market Research
Ideation
Low-Fidelity Prototyping
High-Fidelity Prototyping
Problem ContextHackathon Theme: Reframe, Build, Innovate Onwards.
“As we look around us, we examine problems from various perspectives to reframe our preconceptions, build better products and services, and innovate to make the world a better place.”
- Women in Informatics (WINFO) Team
Selecting a Problem Space
Recognizing the evolving landscape of Women's reproductive health legislation and widespread dissatisfaction with current solutions to menstrual inequities, we identified a unique opportunity to address critical issues. We focused on 'period poverty,' an ongoing challenge lacking effective solutions but has the potential to transform the lives of many menstruators, particularly those from underserved and vulnerable communities.
“Inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools and education, including but not limited to sanitary products, washing facilities, and waste management”
- American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA)
What is Period Poverty?
🏳️🌈 Reminder: Not everyone who menstruates is a woman and not all women menstruate!
No time for Primary Research in a 12-hour Hackathon. All Eyes on Secondary.
With limited time and resources, we omitted primary research. We instead dedicated the first 2 hours to conducting secondary and market research as thoroughly as possible, allowing us to still familiarize ourselves with the problem space, stakeholders, and existing solutions. Findings were organized into key ideas and themes.
Secondary Research More than a Monthly Inconvenience: A Multi-Faceted that Detracts from Quality of Life
Secondary research demonstrated the complexity of period poverty as an issue with its impact extending well beyond a regular inconvenience, with detrimental impact to one’s social, mental, and financial well-being.
Menstrual Products are Inaccessible to Most
Women
64%
using unsafe alternatives, such as cloth and tissues, which increase risk of infection
Low-Income & Homeless
2 out of 3
shown to lower self-esteem and confidence, especially in young adults
People of Color
3x Likely
Negative Impact on Quality of Life
As many as 1 in 4 skip school or know of someone who does due to these reasons
A Deep Rooted Issue: Cultural and Societal Stigma Silencing the Issues Surrounding Period Poverty
Due to menstruation being seen as a taboo in many cultures and religions, there is not enough open conversation regarding the struggles of being unable to meet these needs regularly. Many chose to struggle silently, stagnating the progress towards significant changes.
“DISGUSTING” “ UNHYGIENIC”
SHAMEFUL
THE PROBLEM IS…
How might we make menstrual products accessible for low-income menstruating individuals in the U.S. who do not have the financial flexibility to regularly meet their menstrual needs?
IdeationRapid Ideation
Final Solution
