FLOW (FlowPeriodLLC.com)
The FLOW is the revolutionary device designed to build more environmentally and financially sustainable period care habits without sacrificing hygiene. The first of its kind, the FLOW combines rotational energy and UV light to respectively clean and sanitize any menstrual cup. When cared for properly, one menstrual cup can last for ten years. The FLOW eliminates the barriers of messiness, concern of introducing bacteria to the body, and fear of stigma that keep menstruators from making the switch to menstrual cups. By pairing their menstrual cup with the FLOW, one person can eliminate more than 13,000 single-use products like tampons and pads and save thousands of dollars in their lifetime!
Period care is a multibillion-dollar industry deeply reliant on single use waste and recurring costs. Lets take a look at existing offerings for menstruators:
Understanding the Period Care Space
We began analysis by considering the environmental and financial costs associated with existing period care options in the marketplace.
*Calculations found on 'Market Analysis Calculations' sheet, click on above table for excel workbook
Menstrual Cups are the most environmentally and financially sustainable, so what is preventing users from making the switch?
Menstrual Cup User Journey Map
Lets take a look at the menstrual cup user experience to understand why using one away from home can be a challenge:
The menstrual cup user goes into the bathroom to empty their cup
Before removing the cup, the user washes their hands
The user enters the stall, which may not be clean
Once the cup is removed, the cup contents are emptied into the toilet
The user then has the option to leave the stall and clean their cup in the sink
But, they may then have to wait in line to get back into a stall, risking dropping the cup or staining their clothes
Alternatively, the user can stay in the stall
There they can wipe down the cup with toilet paper, but this option could introduce fecal matter or pathogens into the body. Disposable wipes work, but create more waste. Is there a better way?
Pain Points
Using the journey map, our team honed in on the most prominent user pain points. These pain points posed the most potential for innovation in the menstrual cup space.
The potential to introduce pathogens to the body, risking the user's health
Users must wash blood and bodily fluids off the cup by hand. This can be a daunting, uncomfortable experience, and met with stigma
Users risk stained clothing and wasted time if they have to leave the stall and get back into line
Ideation
Recognizing the lack of a commercial option capable of portably cleaning and sanitizing a menstrual cup wherever a user may be, we sought to create a design that would do both to address the pain points of messiness, health concerns, possible stigma, and wasted time
FLOW Version 1
After initial concepts indulging our engineering inclinations with motors, water jets, a compatible mobile application, and lots of electronics, we refocused on a design that leaned less on complicated tech and more on simple mechanics. The FLOW morphed into what looked like a mini salad spinner.
The user puts their cup in the green basket, fills the device with water, and pulls the handle, which spins the basket. After the wash cycle the user empties the device into the toilet and pulls the handle again, drying the cup. A UV light in the lid sanitizes the cup.
Note: The body is clear to show the interior of the design, but would be solid in the final prototype.
Feedback
Too Derivative - This particular design isn’t innovative; it closely resembles a mini salad spinner without extra benefit or design modification.
Complicated - Too many parts that will be difficult to interact with while holding a menstrual cup
Watertight? - Fear that the lid isn’t watertight, which could cause a potential mess for the user during use or once stowed away.
Pull-string - The pull-string method may be difficult for some users to use and could be noisy.
Cup Connection - The cup isn’t secured to the device in any way, which may make it difficult to ensure a consistent, even clean, and would require users to fish for their cup by hand in dirty water
Circuitry - It doesn’t look like there’s enough room in the lid to fit the UV light electronics as planned.
FLOW Version 2
Maintaining the same design goals but informed by our feedback, the FLOW took on a completely new look.
The user attaches their cup to the jig clip (a binder clip serves as a temporary stand-in). The user then turns the lid in a clockwise rotation to wind up the rotation mechanism then presses the release button to send the cup spinning within the body for the wash + dry cycles. The UV light and connecting circuitry are housed in the base; when the users turns on the light, it stays on for a 60 second cycle.
Note: The body is clear to show the interior of the design, but would be solid in the final prototype.
Feedback
Binder Clip - The cup clip design needs to be further iterated to differentiate it from a binder clip.
UV Exposure Risk - The UV light poses a potential safety risk to users; if the light is activated while the lid is off, users may be exposed to UV radiation.
Rotation Mechanism - The method for rotation (used to clean the cup) needs to be further iterated and tested to ensure that it provides a consistent, even clean.
FLOW Version 3 - Current Iteration
FLOW V3 has been updated with some small design improvements in response to user feedback.
The user fills their FLOW with water, then attaches their cup to the cup clip, designed to hold menstrual cup stems. Next the user turns the lid in a clockwise rotation to wind up the rotation mechanism and presses the release button to send the cup spinning within the body for the wash + dry cycles. As before, the UV light and connecting circuitry are housed in the base; when the users turns on the light, it stays on for a 60 second cycle. A photoresistor will be placed along the lid of the housing such that the UV circuit can only be operated when the housing is sealed, preventing potentially harmful UV exposure.
Note: The body is clear to show the interior of the design, but would be solid in the final prototype.
Still Work to Be Done
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic cut our design and prototyping process short. However, our team plans to continue developing the FLOW into a functional prototype and eventually launch it to market. We have identified key areas that the FLOW needs continued development in to finalize the device:
Compact - Work to make the device smaller and potentially collapsible.
Materials - Focusing on materials that are UV-resistant, waterproof, durable, and non-leaching.
Circuit - Add LEDs to indicate to user when UV light is on/off.
Watertight - Ensure device maintains a watertight seal to avoid leaks/spills.
Universal Cup Clip - Test device with multiple styles of menstrual cups to ensure universal compatibility.
Soap - Explore the potential of using soap within the device as a cup cleaning aid.
Cleaning - Further explore, iterate, and test cleaning mechanisms to ensure a consistent, even clean.
User Feedback - Look to cup users for feedback to reach best design possible.
