Rho

Para qué sirve

Rho is a reusable menstrual garment that offers a dignified, comfortable, and sustainable solution for women experiencing period poverty. It enhances protection, reduces the risk of infections, and extends wear time.

Qué te inspiró

This project was born from an encounter with a reality that, until recently, was unfamiliar to me: the reality of millions of women around the world who face invisible struggles every day, such as menstruating while living on the streets. Last year a woman living on the street asked me for a tampon. I didn’t have one with me, so I went to buy her a box, but when I gave it to her I couldn’t stop thinking about how difficult it must be for her to manage her period. That experience sparked in me the need to address this issue and explore, through design, ways to improve the quality of life for women who face these invisible realities every day.

Cómo funciona

Rho is reusable menstrual underwear designed to absorb flow efficiently and comfortably, extending wear time and reducing the risk of leaks. Its innovation lies in a layered structure and a unique distribution pattern. The top layer, made of merino wool, wicks away moisture to keep the skin dry. Beneath it, a hydrophilic polyester layer evenly distributes flow across the garment, inspired by the efficient networks of Physarum polycephalum, a single-celled organism known for efficiently distributing resource. The Zorb® absorbent layer retains flow securely for hours without saturating. Leakproof barriers on the sides and bottom guide flow toward the center, preventing it from reaching clothing. The breathable outer layer, made of Tencel™, allows airflow, reduces humidity, and maintains a fresh, dry feel. It is worn, washed, air-dried, and reused by the user, making menstrual management more accessible and practical.

Proceso de diseño

The design process began with in-depth research exploring menstruation as both a biological and cultural phenomenon. Interviews were conducted with women experiencing homelessness, street vendors, students from low-income backgrounds, gynecologists, gender experts, and other menstruating individuals. Existing market products and key menstrual poverty stakeholders were analyzed using various research tools. A design brief was created, leading to the ideation phase, which included brainstorming, focus groups, and biomimicry studies. Inspired by nature, especially fungi, I explored patterns to optimize flow distribution. Fungi were tested in labs by placing food in targeted areas to simulate how networks grow efficiently, this inspired our internal pattern. Menstrual underwear was chosen because it is external, safe, and appropriate for women in vulnerable contexts, where sanitation and sexual health education may be limited. Internal products like cups or tampons could lead to pelvic floor complications in these situations. Digital simulations and comparative tests with wine on the MVP and other products helped validate absorption and distribution. Physical prototypes were tested by users, and tools like FMEA and QFD were used to identify failures and improve the final product

Qué lo hace diferente

Rho stands out mainly due to its exclusive internal pattern designed to distribute flow evenly and efficiently. This pattern acts as a channel that prevents liquid from concentrating in specific areas, significantly reducing the risk of leaks and localized dampness. Thanks to this smart distribution, the flow is quickly absorbed and spread throughout the garment, increasing its capacity and usage time without sacrificing comfort. This innovative design allows Rho to keep the skin dry and fresh for longer, something other similar products fail to achieve, as they tend to accumulate flow in certain spots, causing discomfort and potential leaks. The internal pattern is the key that transforms menstrual protection into a much safer and more comfortable experience. Rho has been carefully designed to meet the needs of women living in menstrual poverty, offering an affordable, durable and reliable solution so they can manage their period independently.

Planes para el futuro

During the design process, I connected with NGOs focused on women’s rights and product designers from a global menstrual brand. They confirmed that Rho is highly feasible and promising. I plan to further develop Rho by refining the pattern’s geometry to enhance absorption efficiency and user comfort. I also aim to collaborate with NGOs and local governments to implement pilot programs in communities affected by menstrual poverty, accompanied by menstrual health education. My goal is for Rho to become a dignified, accessible, and eco-friendly menstrual solution that empowers women to manage their cycles safely, confidently, and independently

Premios

Project nominated for the Design and Emerging Technologies Award at Tecnológico de Monterrey, México. Project nominated for Best Research in Products, Processes and Services and Best Undergraduate Thesis at the Diseña México 2025 Awards.