Title: Delving into menstrual experiences of women in the public space through mobile diaries

Authors: Pelin Efilti

Addresses: Faculty of Architecture, Department of Industrial Design, Istanbul Technical University, 34367, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract: This study aims to understand the factors that impact the menstrual experiences of educated, urban, and working women in the public space within the context of Turkey. Based on the mobile diaries method, this study was conducted with eight volunteer participants, who actively contributed to the data collection by documenting their own daily activities. Analysis of data from this study revealed seven themes related to menstrual product use, conditions of public toilets, social enforcements, and personal preparedness. The themes and sub-themes were discussed in two dimensions: the menstrual difficulties in the public space and the strategies developed to eliminate these difficulties. In the light of these discussions, a comprehensive understanding from which to direct design and research studies on such an intimate subject has been provided. In addition, possible design implications have been addressed that can guide critical research studies and creative ideas to destigmatise menstruation.

Keywords: menstrual experiences; mobile diaries; public space; menstrual products; menstruation.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2022.125873

Journal of Design Research, 2022 Vol.20 No.1, pp.35 - 57

Received: 23 Jul 2021
Accepted: 20 Feb 2022
Published online: 30 Sep 2022 *