The aim is to promote design innovation within the menstrual product industry, with consideration for people who are unable to use the limited product line available.

Within the participatory collaboration, the experience is shared through the voice of whom has encountered menstrual management challenges with a physical impairment. The objective of this is to demonstrate a reality and gain insight into exclusivity for people in this context.

In response to the case study and topic, the practice of design is identified in a series of speculative design curations. Each image addresses an area of inquiry that transcribes narrative, or speculates 'solution' and preposes potential innovation.

The connection to sustainability and design focuses on equality among all people of whom are physically impaired and feel limited to choice concerning the management of Menstruation. The design aspect probes the fundamental necessity for innovation that considers individual unique requirements in this context.

There are many challenges and contentious discussions around the subject of Menstruation. From the taboo, stigma and varied beliefs; there also comes the practicality of managing Menstruation. However, the physicality of using available products is essential to address within the Menstrual industry, for design innovation and equality among users.

A process that is thought to be a discreet and a personal task for the majority, though inconvenient, managing menstrual blood is a quick and easy 'fix' with the products available to absorb or collect one's flow. Though is it? The limited products available pose an additional cost, costs of either harming the environment due to the industries plastic consumption and medical concerns such as toxic shock syndrome. Furthermore, Menstrual products are considered too expensive for a necessity that is otherwise classed as a 'luxury'. However, in March 2020, the UK Chancellor promised to remove this 'Luxury' VAT from January 2021. (1)

Much conversation has opened up around the topic of Menstruation, particularly those focused on the industries product materials such as protests against the plastic in period products. Another prominent objection is tax prices on Menstrual items. Though these are two fundamental aspects to tackle for different reasons, they do not address the much-needed design shift within the industry. However, protesting against disposable menstrual products such as tampons and sanitary towels further limits the choice without proposing a suitable design alternative and considering the many who heavily rely on disposable products.

There are very few options for reusable menstrual products. However, reusable does not necessarily mean it is 'sustainable'. Reusable products such as Menstrual cups are often complex to use, and one would need to have specific mobility to insert and remove; also the design does not consider the possibility of 'abnormalities' of one's cervix and internal functions. Though the Menstrual cup design is efficient and has additional benefits such as affordances, the audiences for this product are limited. Moreover, reusable products such as pads and menstrual underwear are often expensive to buy and may need to be changed multiple times a day, depending on the heaviness of one's menstrual flow. In addition to reusable menstrual fabrics, they will need to be washed in regular intervals which can prove to be a challenging task for some.

Eco-ableism

Eco- ableism is a form of perception in favour of 'able-bodied' people. (2) For instance, the environmental movement tackles many issues concerning the manufacturing of single-use plastics, within various industries, including those of the menstrual product industry. However, the protest to rid disposable products lacks consideration to people who heavily rely on using single-use menstrual products. The same reliance can be identified in other disposable products from a diverse range of industries. Disposable products can be beneficial and create a sense of independence for people who are unable to use the reusable and a 'sustainable' alternative. For instance, the function of a disposable shower gel bottle can provide ergonomic inclusiveness that is extremely helpful to those with limited mobility. Compared to the suggested 'sustainable' alternatives such as a bar of a solid soap, which can pose challenges to use, challenges which are not considered when focused predominantly on environmental concerns. Considering the exclusivity, I have to protest the protest to disposing of the disposable. While I agree with the environmental movement, it would be good to consider the people who are impacted negatively by these actions, as the dependence on the single-use product can produce independence.

Curated Collection of Attempted 'MIY' & Material Innovations.

These Images are 'Real world' visuals that demonstrate where and how the making of these objects would be situated in a domestic environment.

3D Moulded Menstrual Cup.

'Bioplastic' Material Innovation.

'MIY' Menstrual Products.

Studio Exhibition. (Part. 1)

Analyses of Public Response.

The question was open to interpretation; some people thought the question was more concerning the environment, some about the efficiency of use and others thought it was concerning product cost. However, the results of the colour coordinated sheets concluded: (Number represents the amount of people)

Collage Illustrations.