About The Project
The Problem
The purpose of this project was to explore areas in a home where a new or different organizational system could be implemented. This project began as a group effort focused on general research and later transitioned into an individual project after the initial broad research was completed. The group I was part of focused our research on washrooms. As part of our group research, we shared photographs of our bathrooms, cabinets, shelves, and other storage areas to identify common organizational challenges and opportunities for improvement.
Through this research, I noticed that the storage of menstrual hygiene products was often treated as an afterthought, regardless of the user. These products, which come into contact with sensitive areas of the body, were frequently stored alongside harsh cleaning chemicals, liquid beauty products, and other potentially hazardous items commonly found in washrooms. This highlighted an opportunity to create a storage solution that would improve organization and promote safe practices around the storage of these products.
The Solution
To address these organizational and safety concerns, I designed The Box, an organizational storage product specifically intended for menstrual hygiene products. Recognizing that users have different levels of comfort and privacy preferences when storing these products, The Box can be placed either inside a cabinet or on a countertop for easy access.
The Box includes an adjustable divider, allowing users to organize their products according to their individual preferences. Its versatile size accommodates a range of menstrual hygiene products, from small liners to larger pads and menstrual cups. The Box also includes a detachable component that users can take with them when leaving the house, enabling them to conveniently carry a small selection of menstrual hygiene products when needed.
Initial Research
As a group, photographs of a variety of household washrooms were collected to understand how people currently store and organize their menstrual hygiene products. This research helped identify common storage methods and the challenges associated with keeping products accessible while maintaining a clean and organized space. Research was also conducted into the dimensions and variations of menstrual products, including pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and liners. These findings helped establish the appropriate dimensions and capacity requirements for the product.
Concept Development
Extensive sketching was used to explore different design directions, dimensions, layouts, lid mechanisms, and portable “to-go” configurations. These concepts were further developed through a series of low-fidelity prototypes, allowing different ideas to be tested and refined. The combination of sketching and prototyping helped identify which concepts were most effective in terms of functionality, usability, and overall form.
Preliminary Prototypes
A range of preliminary prototypes was developed to explore different dimensions, proportions, and configurations. Smaller-scale models were also created to experiment with construction methods and sewing techniques, helping determine the most effective approach for the final model. This iterative process allowed the design to be continuously refined while balancing functionality, form, and assembly.
Final Model
Main Body
There are many ways to organize products within The Box. Rather than using restrictive compartments, the open interior allows users to arrange the contents according to their individual preferences and needs. The lid can be kept open or closed depending on the user’s preference and where the product is stored. The Box is primarily constructed from cotton-based fabrics, cardboard or thin sheet plastic, and small metal clasps. The Box is sewn together, with a layer of cardboard or plastic positioned between the fabric layers to provide structure and stability.
To-Go Pouch
The to-go pouch is designed to support a variety of everyday uses, with its primary purpose being to provide a convenient way to carry menstrual products when leaving the house. It allows users to quickly grab a designated pouch containing the essential items they may need throughout the day. Similar to The Box, the pouch is constructed from cotton-based fabric and sewn together, with metal snaps used to securely close it.
