Designers
Designers
Designers
The Misunderstood Female
Femenina: The future of the female safe space.
Designers
Martina Acosta
Key Words
SUMMARY
Designing for the Misunderstood Female is a response to how I feel in the face of a healthcare system that gives me no answers, and as a 21 year old I struggle to understand what is wrong with my hormonal and menstrual health. Through my research, I came to understand that I am not alone. Historically, women have been excluded from medical knowledge production, resulting in a healthcare system for men. Additionally, while female communities have long been recognized for their capacity to empower, they haven't quite evolved to meet women’s contemporary needs. Thus, Femenina seeks to disrupt the system and create a health-centered community where females feel empathy, understanding and above all, comfort in knowing they are not alone.
challenge
Through interviews, probes, secondary research, and a social media deep dive, I understood that the primary stakeholders of my project are those I've termed "The Misunderstood Female.” I uncovered a crucial gap in support for women. Despite advances, many still struggle with their menstrual and hormonal health, looking for understanding and empathy. My research, sparked by personal challenges, revealed a shared experience among countless women. Existing female communities lack the adaptability needed for current needs. While social media has begun to provide some support and sense of community, it fails to fully meet the multifaceted needs of today's women, highlighting the urgency for a more comprehensive solution.
Outcome
Femenina is an AI-powered, safe platform where women can collaboratively understand health topics. Inspired by the symbiotic nature of mushrooms, Femenina embodies the essence of female healthcare—an interconnected body of knowledge. The platform empowers through co-creation, fostering an anonymous space tailored to each personal woman's needs. It's the place for acceptance, understanding, and answers, acknowledging the multifaceted journeys women endure at every milestone in their life, but especially, for the ambiguity in between. Femenina connects individuals anonymously creating communities, uniting shared experiences while always prioritizing privacy. Accessible to all, it's the next generation of the female community.
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