My primary research centered on the experiences of women between ages 36-80 and the experiences of medical professionals to map patterns and pinpoint opportunity gaps. I also conducted extensive research on medical studies, technological solutions, parallel industries, and emerging social trends to inform my design decisions.
In my initial interviews, pre-menopausal women thought little about menopause. Women going through menopause were distraught, with a spectrum of treatment preferences. Most wished that they could have been more prepared for the shock of the bodily changes they experienced. However, women who had moved on to the next stage of life felt a renewed zeal for life; several had made lifestyle changes in their 40s and 50s to become more healthy and active.
Some women tried to find patterns in their symptoms to inform decisions about their daily schedules and regain a sense of control. However, even the most diligent did not track consistently, accurately, or in a timely manner, making it difficult for them to communicate their needs to their primary care providers. Clinicians were also ill equipped to support the symptoms that women encounter, resulting in frustrated patients who were sometimes even erroneously prescribed unrelated medication.
