C A R A
OVERVIEW
How many times have you felt uneasy in your office? Your college?Or any other public space? Have you observed someone feeling uneasy, unable to work at their full capacity for a few days? The chances are that if you are a person who does not experience menstruation, you wouldn't have noticed this. Every month an egg is released from an ovary and it wreaks havoc on the mental and physical well-being of the person experiencing this monthly ritual known as menstruation. Mood Swings and Dysmenorrhoea ( menstrual cramps ) follow month after month and we keep our calm because why should you understand? There are painkillers, hot water bags at the rescue however, dealing with them outside the home is not easy. Hence, I decided to do something about it.
CONTEXT
Menstruation
Menstruation is the regular discharge of blood from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina.
The menstrual cycle is characterized by the rise and fall of hormones.
Menarche, the first period, usually begins between the ages of 12 and 15.
Lasts around 2 to 7 days.
It is a sign that pregnancy has not occurred.
Periods stop during pregnancy.
A typical cycle range is between 21 and 31 days with the average being 28 days. It varies slightly from female to female.
Menopause, is when menstruation stops, which usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age.
Menstruation is accompanied by painful cramps in the abdomen legs and back. Severity varies from person to person.
Inability to deal with menstrual cramps during menstruation outside the home. This leads to extreme physical and mental discomfort which affects the performance and overall well-being of the person. Many people end up taking leaves from office, colleges, school.
But why should they suffer?
DESIGN BRIEF
Design a solution for dealing with menstrual cramps outside the home for women.
This product is of extreme importance. It is important that no girl who is born in this world goes through life silently passing by in her pain. Menstrual pain is real and should be talked about more openly. It is important for you, your wife, and your future life.
SECONDARY RESEARCH
DYSMENORRHEA
Primary dysmenorrhea is where the period pain is caused by the womb muscle contractions alone.
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Secondary dysmenorrhea is when the pain is caused by something other than muscle contractions. This may be due to underlying conditions such as endometriosis, PCOD, etc.
ABDOMINAL PAIN
VOMIT
HIP PAIN
BACK-ACHE
MUSCLE PAIN
MIGRANE
FATIGUE
ABDOMINAL SWELLING
SWEAT
HEAD-ACHE
IRRITATIBILITY
UPSET STOMACH
Menstrual Cramps are Commonly dealt with hot fermentation,painkillers and some rest.
Hot Fermentation
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Relaxes tight muscles, causing tissues to relax.
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Decreases pain caused by muscle tension or spasms.
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Causes vasodilatation of the blood vessels, which increases circulation to the area.
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Increased circulation to your body part helps bring in nutrients, oxygen, and cells that promote healing.
Along with the physical discomfort, there is an emotional toll of menstruation
Why Me?
Women who are often unable to go to work because of bad pain and cramps may face problems at work, as well as feeling guilty and ashamed.
Advice like this can make it difficult to feel comfortable about withdrawing from activities to get some rest and might stop women from seeking professional help or treatment.
"I have to put up with the pain because it's a normal part of being a woman. "
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Taking time off as medical leave
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Inability to mention in the workspace as a reason to take leave
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Feelings of self-doubt
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Decrease in productivity
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are all a result of the Physical Pain and Social Stigma associated with menstruation.
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While doing the research on the project I came across this very important term called as
Gender Dysphoria
It happens when a person experiences distress because of a mismatch between their anatomy and their gender identity.
Getting your period as a person who doesn’t identify as a woman can cause discomfort and anxiety especially when many people equate menstruation with femaleness.
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Not all women menstruate, and not all people who menstruate identify as women.
“I try to hide it and pretend I don't even get one”
“It’s a reminder of the uncontrollable decisions my body makes without my approval”.
“I feel afraid to talk about it with anyone but close friends”
“I dislike feeling that I can't be a real man because of it, despite knowing otherwise”
“Menstruation is a reminder that my body will never be the way I want it”
PRIMARY RESEARCH
Through Surveys,Interviews and Contextual Inquiry the following results were obtained.
76.4% of menstruating users take time off due to the inability to manage period pain in public settings.
Out of which 50% feel guilty for taking that leave.
It's a cumbersome process to make use of a hot water bag.
Availability of hot water is not always there.
Users don't want to reveal that they are on their periods.
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Pain scale
30
20
10
0
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
x-axis - Pain
y-axis - No. of participants
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1
KEY INSIGHTS
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There is a great deal of emotional toll related to period pain.
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Hot water bag remains a popular choice as a remedy for period pain.
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However, its usage in a public setting still remains in question.
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Users refrain from using a hot bag in public as they feel uncomfortable using it socially. They would rather suffer in pain.
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76.4% of menstruating users take time off due to the inability to manage period pain in public settings.
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Out of which 50% feel guilty for taking that leave.
REDEFINED BRIEF
After conducting the research on the topic of menstruation, I realized that it is my responsibility as a designer to include that section of who has not been included in the discussion, who has been omitted purposefully.
Design a heating device to ease the pain for people experiencing menstrual cramps in variable settings without the use of visible attachments.
IDEATION
Ergonomic Audit of Hot Water Bag
Not very pleasant to look at,looks ancient
Requires one hand support
Hot water availability and filling process is risky
It’s either too hot or too cold
Availability of electricity
Uncomfortable on skin
Uncomfortable to use in different positions
It may cause erythema ab igne, a condition marked by mottled and discolored skin
Analysis with the 5 Universal Design principles
CULTURAL
USABLE
EQUITABLE
ECONOMICAL
AESTHETIC
Certain sections of population can’t use the hot water bag easily. Not an equitable product
It has been used through generations.Passed on from one generation to another.
The usability analysis suggests rudimentary ergonomic considerations. Its design does not account for human error. The user must be vigilant when interacting with the hot water bag.
It costs from Rs.120 to Rs.250 for the basic rubber hot water bag
The basic form hasn’t changed since it was invented.However attempts have been made to make it more aesthetic.
CONCEPTS
1) Use of Chemical Heating produced in exothermic reactions
Click Heat gel packs have a small metal disc inside. When "clicked" the disc causes the gel in the pack to solidify and become hot through an exothermic reaction.
Click Heat
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Oxidation occurs on contact with air or vapour.
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Can absorb skin moisture to give heat sensations
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1 Fe(Iron) particle oxidizes in 12 hours completely to form rust.
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1 gm Fe powder produces 1.7 kcal of heat.
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Adjustment of heat by adding catalyst like salt and activated charcoal.
Active Iron Powder
FINAL CONCEPT
CARA - is an IOT enabled carbon fiber smart heat belt.
Scope of the solution
Temperature Control
Vibration Control
Rechargeable
Auto Cut off timer
Sync with other health apps
Data tracking
Connected to Mobile application for operation
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Target Heating
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Fast Heating
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Belt form for easy wearability
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Wireless for hasslefree usage
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Inconspicuous, can be worn under the clothes
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Vibrational massage on acupressure points to reduce pain
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Essential oils
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Breathable on skin
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Aesthetically pleasing
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Lightweight Carry easily
Carbon fibre heating technology
a. Fast heating
b. Energy saving
c. Carbon fiber has prominent acid and alkali resistant property
d. Far infrared ray healthcare function
Decision Making Framework
The carbon fiber heat belt CARA will be connected to 2 sensors i.e a temperature sensor and a vibration motor in order to control the desired temperature for its usage and provide vibrational massage therapy to the acupressure points located on the back of the user. Powered by a Lithium-ion battery and operated by a switch CARA will connect to a dedicated mobile application via NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller.
WHATS'S NEXT?
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Development of Prototype
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Testing
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Aesthetic enhancements