Ruby: Reimagining Menstruation Education Through Communication and Representation
Project: Self-Initiated
Feb-May 2024
Mapping out desk research cards
THE BRIEF
For this project, the brief is entirely open-ended, allowing each of us to select any topic of personal interest and pursue it independently within our chosen field or practice. I decided to focus on menstruation and how I could break the silence surrounding it and promote empowerment.
DISCOVER
Through desk research, a survey and semi-structured interviews with diverse stakeholders, I was able to discover key insights on how menstruation is viewed in society. My research then narrowed down to menstruation education within school. My main insights were:
1. Current education in schools lacks in depth knowledge and engaging material for young people.
2. Menstruation in education isn’t highly valued in the curriculum and can be better.
3. Experiences are described as sanitised and needs to be represented as personal /no normal.
4. Stories of others can help individuals and open conversations around menstruation in a realistic way.
From this I created my final design opportunity which was to educate young people in a new way to celebrate menstruation through new communication and create a no normal representation.
DEFINE
As I was focusing on young people I needed to know how to create the ideal journey of understanding, body connection and celebration for young people. So, I decided to get back in contact with the head of PSHE and the school to organise a co-design session with the period patrol group to gain more insight for initial concept generating. I created three activities that were based on the metaphor of an ocean to represent pattern, cleansing and power. The session was with 8 secondary pupils from age13-14 year old, which were part of the period group at their school.
The main insights I got from the session were:
- The pupils wanted something to be brought into the school environment.
- They wanted the option for one-to-one talks with someone to discuss questions, advice or myths.
- They wanted to normalise unique journeys and emphasise that the journey isn't straightforward for everyone.
- They wanted non-menstruators to be involved.
With budgeting and time constraints in the curriculum, this meant that something had to be externally brought into the school environment. From this, I took their initial ideas and developed them.
DEVELOP
Through prototyping, refining and testing with peers I was able to develop my final proposal. I focused on how to create an inviting space for young people, taking inspiration from approachable environments like an ice cream van. I also looked into creating inclusive and genderless graphics, as menstruation is a conversation for all.
DELIVER
‘Ruby’ is a charity that travels to secondary schools in Scotland, promoting new communication and representation for menstrual health. Just like the average cycle, Ruby’s pop-up stays on school grounds for 28 days bringing 28 different in-depth talks. With our 10 pop-ups, we are able to deliver menstruation education to 432 secondary schools over the span of 5 years, making sure we are targeting all years. Menstruation education should be a right and not a privilege for pupils. Ruby is for all, and creates an inclusive atmosphere with its fun animations of period products.
The pop-up contains many different resources for pupils, teachers and parents to explore. Ruby wants to make a bold impression on school grounds that gets heads turning. The digital story wall collects anonymous advice, featured on our products. We collaborate with private and public sectors, using the data to enhance their products. The product window aids young people in finding the right products for them. Check out our menu and order to our specialist at the window! We also have a variety box for first time menstruators to explore different products. Our specialist showcases sustainable options, emphasising alternatives to single-use products. The information wall offers detailed books on menstruation, available for everyone. From supporting menstruators to understanding early menopause.
The cycle wall is an exhibition piece featuring diverse cycles. Everyone’s cycle is unique, and we aim to represent periods accurately and inclusively. Drop by our Advice Station, where our specialists are ready to answer all your questions. No question is too small or too embarrassing—we’re here to help. Once ruby leaves, this role is given to the nurse to offer one-to-one talks for pupils.
Digital story wall
Cycle wall
Physical model - product window
physical model - story wall
Physical model - changemaker kit
It doesn’t just stop after 28 days. With Ruby’s Changemaker Programme, this gives pupils ownership and a voice on rewriting the narrative for menstrual health. We offer a kit that comes with a handbook, roles and petition posters for those pupils that want to sustain the conversation. They take on new roles within their school community and explore new concepts to make their city a better place for menstruation with Ruby Day.
Changemaker pupil holding kit
Changemaker pupils in a meeting
Changemaker pupil exploring programme
Details of kit
