OUR SELF
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Warmest thanks to: Professor Christophe Gaubert
Over one billion people use contraception. Yet, only 1/4 of them worldwide are men.
This is because it is the norm to assume that preventing pregnancy is a woman’s responsibility. I wanted to challenge these assumptions by tangibilizing novel contraceptive technology into a range of alternative contraceptives for all genders.
OUR SELF is made up of three conceptual contraceptive products, for her, for them and for him. This project hopes to inspire interest about the possible futures of contraception, while also presenting an opportunity to engage not only women, but all genders to redefine what contraception can mean to ourselves.
microneedle contraceptive technology
At the size of a bottle cap, the patch contains 100 microneedles and are made out of a biodegradable polymer. After one minute of application, the needles will embed themselves within the user’s skin and slowly release small amounts of the formulation into the bloodstream, preventing pregnancy for up to a month.
for her
With microneedle technology, this contraceptive jewellery empowers women to feel attractive while simultaneously receiving their prescribed birth control. With the usage of gold and folding patterns and by weaving receiving contraceptive with the habit of wearing jewellery, it empowers women to feel more confident in taking control of their own reproductive destiny.
for them
The applicator leaves a mark on your partner’s skin, resembling a playful and loving bite that you would give your significant other during intimate acts. This object provides an opportunity for partners to create a meaningful experience where everyone is actively involved in taking contraception. And perhaps including both parties in the process can potentially be the best way moving forward.
for him
To create an approachable design for men, I was inspired by the iconic symbol of a watch. Likewise, the microneedle capsule would attach itself to the bottom of this applicator, which could then be worn on the wrist just like a watch. With time on every digital screen, this contraceptive device is more than a watch, it provides men the power to take on the role of contraceptive responsibility.
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Reimagining Hormonal Contraception
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