Transcend

What it does

Transcend is an analog gender affirming care kit which aids transgender and non-binary people with hormone replacement therapy while encouraging self-reflection and archiving for future generations and research.

Your inspiration

Transgender people are rarely designed for, yet urgently need design in our corner. As the White House targets our healthcare, I set out to create something for my community. I began with medical products, meeting with gender-affirming care professionals to find key pain points. But new executive orders brought uncertainty, and I wanted to make a deeper impact. When federal websites were scrubbed of trans resources and history, I turned to how we preserve stories while being erased. Transcend is rooted in healing, community, and self-acceptance—prioritizing hope in a time of darkness.

How it works

Transcend is a three-part analog kit designed to support transgender people undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT). First is a medical organizer for injectable HRT—one of the most accessible and widely used forms. It accommodates the most common injection methods in the U.S. and fits a range of supply sizes. The layout is open and intuitive, with clear graphics for ease of use. The kit can be separated for bathroom storage and is fully washable. The second part is a collection of advice from trans people who have already started HRT, offering insights for those nervous about injections or curious about different transition experiences. The third part is a journal with weekly prompts tied to injection days, encouraging personal reflection beyond clinical data. When the journal is full, users can start a new one or send it to us for archiving and inclusion in future quote books—preserving their story for others.

Design process

This was a steep research project. I set out to identify pain points in trans healthcare—talking to gender-affirming care professionals in both western and eastern medicine, and medical product designers. I interviewed over 25 trans and nonbinary people, posting flyers to reach folks outside my demographic. My first concept, a medical organizer, felt uninspiring. As a designer who loves storytelling and learning about our history, I explored many ideas: surgical pillows (too specific), wall organizers that scrapbook milestones (cool but not practical), even a gameboard for transition goals. I overdesigned it many times—like with a filing system for monthly keepsakes—but I realized ephemera wasn’t as effective as archiving personal accounts. For a habit-based tool, it had to be clear and functional. I tested sizing with every HRT needle I could find and worked with a practitioner to refine accessibility. The slanted lid reduces bulk and lays flat at 180 degrees; gold hardware adds elegance. Side slats allow archival airflow and drainage for long-term storage. I collaborated with a graphic designer to make the quote book and choose brand colors: a bold, gender-neutral orange and a royal purple. A sunbeam pattern leads to the latch, focusing on your new beginning.

How it is different

If trans people are designed for, it is through a medical lens or statistics which scratch the surface of trangender needs. Not only do we need more research about us, we deserve to have intentional design that celebrates our needs. Transcend doesn’t only focus on the short term of one medical need. It values mental and physical wellbeing equally and designs around patient habits to make contributing to research easier. It’s a product which isn't overly medical and approaches people through a human lens which encourages autonomy over their contributions, first allowing them the privacy of unfiltered reflection. Its parts are also flexible in legislative uncertainty and can be distributed regardless of what state people live in.

Future plans

The kit still needs further testing with different users to push the effectiveness of the design. User testing is essential to find any pitfalls the kit has. The journal needs to have its questions looked over by a psychologist to assess their effectiveness for research and personal wellbeing. To expand the kit, I want to have a simple digital component to open research to people without safe environments to store a kit. I have been working towards applying for grants to get transcend out to patients and for use in clinical trials. I also want to collaborate with local LGBTQ+ community centers to bring Transcend further into public health.

Awards

I was given a Social Justice Award from Parsons School of Design for an exceptional senior capstone project addressing social justice and equity. It was also chosen for a year long exhibition at The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, a museum with the history of Stonewall Inn, the heart of LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S