P.M.S.

"It all started around the age of 14 when I saw a female friend of mine hesitating to go buy something from medical shop with me. A lot of times I also experienced the same thing, often seeing them holding a black bag or something covered in newspaper in their hand. I finally managed to see a chemist putting sanitary pads in a black cover and handing it over to a lady. At that point in time, I didn't even know what it was meant for only to realise a couple of years later about whole process of menstruation. This made me feel weird too as some guy friends would make faces or claim that its gross.

I finally came to understand how normal a process it is. Regardless of this, I still see women face a certain amount of awkwardness when it comes to talking about their period. This made me want to possibly change this scenario where everyone is able to feel comfortable about menstruation and especially women while buying sanitary pads."

Brief

Inspired by Surrealism, we had to design packaging for a product.

Surrealism aimed at expressing imaginative dreams and visions free from conscious rational control.

Research and Ideation

To experience the buying process I went to a medical shop myself. Though it didn't find it that uncomfortable but I do understand the hesitance at buying the sanitary napkins. I noticed that the shopkeeper was as awkward about selling them to me. He just kept them on the shelf and walked away. Once I got to see the packaging, I studied it. This made me send out a questionare to learn about other girls' experience.

Concept

To design packaging for sanitary pads through which people are able to relate and feel comfortable with the natural process of menstruation. This is targeted towards women to make them feel at ease with the process of buying, carrying and disposing sanitary pads.

The form: A book.

After a lot of brain storming we concluded that girls can easily relate to a book and will be comfortable with carrying it in their purse. The colours of a book will make it more appealing and attract more women. Books can be re used for writing, reading, keeping a note of the period date (detachable calendar included)

How is this Surreal?

We have covered all the pointers for surrealism as we are trying to deceive people by packing pads in book. As the books will be stacked like normal readable books people might get surprised to see what is inside. This might trigger a connection between them and the natural process of menstruation, a relation between comfort and discomfort is created through this and they might connect to it more. Seeing sanitary pads in a book might give them a new insight into this process.

Analysis

Questionare sent to women to know about their period experience in the form of a conversation.