Designing functions aimed at users experiencing endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome within a reproductive health application

Abstract: People who are diagnosed with or suspect endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are rarely included in the design of reproductive health applications, leading to a lack of functions useful to this user group. Non-normative user groups in general, including those experiencing endometriosis or PCOS, are also rarely mentioned in research of reproductive health applications or Human-Computer Interaction. Based on user requests, the aim of this thesis was to design new functions within the application Read Your Body aimed at their users experiencing endometriosis or PCOS. The project consisted of an iterative design process including research for design, sketching, prototyping, and user tests. It was found that this user group mainly wanted to track their symptoms and cycle to gain health insight, and a large number of tracking options and easy customisation was requested. The design process resulted in a design prototype that includes the ability to track symptoms, triggers, self-care practices and treatments as well as visualising and exporting data for personal health insight or to communicate with others. Knowledge created on the non-normative user group, their goals for tracking, and how to design reproductive health tracking applications for non-normative users could be useful in future research and design projects. The functions designed could improve understanding of self and communication with healthcare professionals, and inform diagnosis, treatment plans and self-care practices.