Toca
Tap-to-Connect Bluetooth Speaker
Fall 2024 | 10 Weeks
Vera
Contraceptive and tracking wearable
Summary
Vera combines hormonal contraception and ovulation tracking into an everyday accessory to empower and inform women.
Credits
Professor - Michael Bretz
90% of women in the United States have used contraceptives.
Finding the right birth control can be a long and frustrating process.
Each birth control method prevents pregnancy in a different way and comes with different strengths and weaknesses - the more options that are available, the more individuals can find what's right for them.
Market Opportunity - The Patch
Transdermal contraceptives like "the patch," release hormones through the skin and are worn continuously. Many people find the medical look unappealing, but it has an advantage over the pill since it doesn't require daily interaction, reducing the likelihood of human error.
BBT increases health awareness
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) slightly increases after ovulation, so measuring it can help identify when ovulation has occurred. Because hormonal birth control works by preventing ovulation, tracking BBT provides reassurance that the method is effective.
Hormonal contraceptive's efficacy relies heavily on correct use.
Obscured Cycles
Hormonal methods often mask the body’s natural cycle, making it harder to stay aware of ovulation and fertility.
BBT Tracking
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) can be used to identify if/when ovulation occurs.
Design Goal
Create a device for women that expands contraceptive options and increases health awareness.
Vera performs two main functions:
1. Delivers birth control through skin.
A cartridge in Vera contains progestin and estrogen, which pass through a thin membrane into the skin to prevent ovulation. An adhesive backing keeps it securely in place.
2. Tracks for ovulation by measuring BBT.
The temperature sensor in Vera monitors body temperature during deep rest and sends data to the user's phone. If a spike in BBT suggests ovulation, the user is notified to use other contraception for at least seven days.
The Vera app reminds users when to replace cartridges and shows tracking data at a glance. The home screen includes widgets for temperature trends, replacement schedules, and symptom tracking.
Each replaceable cartridge is made up of an outer casing, hormone reservoir, rate controlling membrane, adhesive layer, and release liner.
Cartridges are replaced every three weeks by the user.
Designed to fit in to everyday wear.
Because Vera is worn daily, it becomes a personal accessory. Three CMF directions were developed to suit different styles.