Reusable Sanitary Pads
Led product design and management for a reusable sanitary pad supporting girls in underserved Liberian communities.
Role
Product Designer & Project Manager
Industry
Nonprofit
Duration
6 months
Testing & Iteration
Feedback highlighted the need for:
A more ergonomic shape
Faster drying fabric layers
A design discreet enough for school uniforms
Improvements Made:
Adjusted pad contour for a secure, comfortable fit
Added breathable layers for quicker drying
Refined stitching to increase durability
Impact
Increased school attendance among early testers
Greater confidence discussing menstrual health
Community adoption and early volunteers assisting production
Reflection
This project taught me how to lead user-centered design in low-resource environments and manage a product from concept to functional prototype.
I learned to:
Collaborate cross-culturally with empathy
Prototype and test without digital tools
Balance usability, dignity, and sustainability
Direct research and product iterations in real-world settings
If expanded, I would scale through NGO partnerships and integrate menstrual health workshops to ensure long-term impact.
Key Takeaways
UX & Product Design: Designed a culturally sensitive, user-tested physical product solving a real user need
Product Management: Led research, design, stakeholder coordination, testing, and iteration
Impact: Built a sustainable product that supports girls’ education, confidence, and dignity
