Dezeen School Shows: we've selected seven student design projects that have been featured on Dezeen School Shows that explore women's health and experiences.
These undergraduate and postgraduate projects range from interior to product design, spanning various themes and concepts, all of which address issues faced by women.
Included in this roundup is a health management app designed to aid women with iron deficiencies, a glassware collection which reflects women's experiences and a shelter for women who are victims of domestic violence.
The selection of projects comes from students enrolled on industrial design, object design and ceramics courses, from international and UK-based institutions including the University for the Creative Arts, Lucerne School of Art and Design and Florence Institute of Design International.
Product design student Rikke Geelen created Maheena, a learning tool used to educate schoolchildren about menstrual hygiene in rural India.
The tool is designed to present a demonstration through three stages that visualise the menstrual process, concluding with an example of how to use a sanitary pad.
"Teenagers in rural India have no access to the products or the facilities and knowledge they need to take care of themselves while menstruating," said Geelen.
"This is due to the lack of awareness and education about the menstrual cycle and the proper methods to manage this."
Student: Rikke Geelen
School: Brunel University London
Course: BSc Product Design
Casa Juno Women's Shelter by Nadine Bannayan
Nadine Bannayan, an interior design student, created the Casa Juno Women's Shelter to provide a secluded and safe space for women.
The shelter is situated 30 minutes from the centre of Florence, to ensure it remains accessible yet private.
"The space is designed in the hope that the users can feel comfortable as well as grow and learn within the space," Bannayan explained.
"Metamorphosis, camaraderie, maternity and female anatomy are the themes that shaped the project and design decisions."
Student: Nadine Bannayan
School: Florence Institute of Design International
Course: Interior Design – Design Research Project and Building Systems
Product and furniture design student Emily Carter designed Sasha, a tampon applicator that allows the user to insert a tampon from a seated position.
The applicator is a curved shape, facilitating safe use while seated.
"The safety and convenience of being able to insert Sasha whilst sitting down are one of the product's main features," said Carter.
"By changing the shape of the applicator, Sasha promotes the safe use and application of tampons."
Student: Emily Carter
School: University of Wales Trinity St David
Course: BA Product and Furniture Design
Industrial design and technology student Adeline Leon designed MyHemo, a health management app intended to assist women with iron deficiency.
Backed by research into the topic, Leon designed the app to include multiple assistive features for users.
"Features include progress trackers, a community page, schedule planning and data visualisation, which are key in assisting the user on their journey," Leon explained.
"The modular water bottle provides freedom and flexibility by containing tablets and iron-rich snacks for on-the-go convenience."
Student: Adeline Leon
School: Brunel University
Course: Industrial Design and Technology BA
The Power Within Her by Tasneem Fadi
Tasneem Fadi, an interior design student, observed inequalities towards women within the fashion industry to inform their design of an inclusive fashion hub.
The establishment offers women opportunities to upskill in fashion design and other qualifications.
"Structurally, the project transforms a two-story residential villa into an expansive hub for fashion creativity and learning," said Fadi.
"The Power Within Her stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of women, seamlessly integrating education with fashion in a setting that resonates with style and purpose."
Student: Tasneem Fadi
School: Ajman University
Course: Interior Design Graduation Project I and II
Love as a Homesickness by Shannon Ellis Baker
Ceramics and glass student Shannon Ellis Baker crafted a glassware collection inspired by womanhood.
Taking shape in abstract forms, the collection acts as an autobiographical project of Baker's lived experiences as a woman.
"The glass has been made by bronze tools cast from [my] body such as [my] finger, teeth and an abstract claw cast from the inner self. These are an extension of the self and are used in place of traditional glassmaking tools," said Baker.
"The work is a comment on the extreme burden of womanhood and its intrinsic link to ideas of the mother, motherhood and unbefitting domesticity, often leading one to feel out of place or questioning sanity."
Student: Shannon Ellis Baker
School: University for the Creative Arts
Course: BA (Hons) Ceramics and Glass
Sofie Zellweger, an object design student, has designed a series of sex toys for older women.
The toys aim to combat the taboo that surrounds older women's sexual experiences.
"Despite the huge shifts in bi and nbi women's roles in western society, the ways in which they are expected to indulge, express or behave themselves are still clouded by a profound stigma and obsolete opinions, particularly concerning their sexuality," Zellweger said.
"The erotic accessories focus on the sensual and tender feeling of touch, and are an invitation to discover something new."
Student: Sofie Zellweger
School: Lucerne School of Art and Design
Course: Bachelor Object Design
Partnership content
These projects are presented in school shows from institutions that partner with Dezeen. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.