Reframing Menopause

by Eliza Hayman

The design acts as a fashion accessory in day-to-day life whilst offering cooling for troublesome menopause symptoms.

Abstract

Menopause impacts millions of individuals globally. Although symptoms interfere heavily with the lives of many in this population, menopause is an area of high unmet need, being considered in less than 1% of published medical studies. This data gap eliminates the opportunity for an evidence-based understanding of menopausal symptoms. Despite the significant psychological and physiological impact that menopause can have on individuals, options for treatment remain limited and are often inaccessible for many, exacerbating health inequalities.

Additionally, stigma associated with menopause and ageing reinforces barriers to care, strengthening the systemic neglect of women’s health. Design has an opportunity to address this gap through developing non-medicalised, user-centred design interventions that support individuals impacted by menopausal symptoms.

This study investigated three core research questions, looking at (1) how design can overcome stigma, (2) whether a non-medicalised approach to symptom management can improve accessibility, and (3) how a reimagined cooling device can alleviate symptoms and reduce long-term health risks.

To address the underlying barriers to accessing menopausal care, a qualitative design-based approach was undertaken, grounded in understanding psychological and societal factors of menopause. Methods such as user surveys, digital ethnography, and precedent design analysis revealed critical contextual and perceptual knowledge that was then translated into an intervention that pushes to destigmatise menopause, improving quality of life, and opening new pathways for inclusive and accessible health innovation. This work contributes to the design and health space by demonstrating how design techniques can be employed within underexplored health contexts to create more accessible, human-centred solutions.

“This work contributes to the design and health space by demonstrating how design techniques can be employed within underexplored health contexts to create more accessible, human-centred solutions.”

A gel integrated into the back of the product offers cooling to the back of the neck to mitigate the heat impacts of a hot flash.

Design Intent

The purpose of this study was to apply research-led design principles to develop an accessible intervention for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. The project aimed to provide not only a practical solution for symptom management but also to address the broader emotional, psychological and societal dimensions associated with menopause. Ultimately, the goal was to improve the overall quality of life for individuals experiencing menopausal symptoms through a holistic and user-centred design approach.

Using this approach, the final design, Freyja, was developed. Freyja is a wearable cooling product designed to support individuals who experience menopausal vasomotor symptoms (VMS). The product leverages the process of evaporative cooling through the use of a cooling gel applied to the back of the neck to alleviate hot flashes. The functionality of the product requires a simple ritual of use with no need for power, easing the mental burden often associated with managing symptoms in public and social contexts. The form and aesthetics of Freyja address the stigma of both menopause and assistive products through being designed to be perceived as an accessory that can be worn boldly or more discreetly, depending on user preference. Its simplicity and non-invasive nature enhance accessibility across diverse users and contexts, highlighting the value of designing with sensitivity to the social and emotional dimensions of use.

Overall, the project illustrates how product design, particularly in the assistive space, can move beyond pure functionality to integrate social and cultural sensitivity, improving the likelihood of uptake and sustainability of the product, as well as the user experience. In doing so, it advances a more holistic and socially responsive approach to design.

“The project illustrates how product design, particularly in the assistive space, can move beyond pure functionality to integrate social and cultural sensitivity, improving the likelihood of uptake and sustainability of the product, as well as the user experience.”

The tie-up closure allows the product to be worn however the user prefers.

An accompanying brochure will outline the ritual of use as well as useful information about menopause, and how the product can help.

Bio

Eliza is a designer who has just graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Product Design, Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation, and Honours in Design. Eliza's work, grounded in strong research, sits at the intersection of innovation and user-centred design, with a consideration of the wider systems that products operate within. Built on empathetic understandings, her practice translates social and user insights into tangible, intuitive outcomes that can reframe daily experiences and encourage positive change.

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