Industrial - Bachelor
'SYNC' is a wearable device that supports women’s health by tracking biometrics such as heart rate and temperature to visualise menstrual cycle phases through colour-coded LED lights. It is designed to enhance self-awareness and connection, and encourage a more intuitive understanding of the body’s natural rhythm through holistic, human-centred design.
A wearable device centred on the needs of women, that accurately tracks your menstrual cycle.
Regardless of advancement in women’s health, their wellbeing cannot be improved unless we address the limitations that women experience across the world. My report’s findings reinforced the need for inclusive, accessible designs that challenge stereotypes across social and cultural contexts.
Research conducted over seven weeks: three user observations, one expert interview and one survey. The following themes were formed during analysis of research data.
A connection between body and mind, with unique experiences in health due to differences in physiology.
Affected by focus, concentration and energy levels, context is critical in effective decision-making.
A shift towards person-centred and evidence-based practice was shown, through new research and emerging technologies.
“You wouldn’t question years ago when I started… There’s been a huge change in health over that period of time.”
(Expert 01, interview)
75% of people who menstruate experience changes in their emotions and body during the premenstrual week
(Doornweerd & Gerritsen, 2025)
Utilising emerging technologies can be seen as beneficial in improving quality of life. Integrating biometric sensors into health products is an identified opportunity area.
The research revealed that emotional state significantly affects decision-making. Creating a product that provides context-aware insights that meet user needs now and, in the future, ensures a long product life, enhancing sustainability.
Users seek holistic tools that consider their situation and provide insights into emotional and physical wellbeing, promoting empowerment. Creating designs that reflect the diversity of individual experiences, including different life stages and identity, will benefit users through a more personalised experience.
‘SYNC’ shows you what phase of your menstrual cycle you are currently in through LEDs. The menstrual cycle involves three phases, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase, each characterised by changes in body temperature (and hormonal changes).
Waiting until resting heart rate, when taking your body temperature allows a more accurate reading. This is why ‘SYNC’ was designed to calm the user down using a slow glowing LED feature to guide the user through deep breathing. This allows the heart rate to decrease to a resting rate, where the device can then take an accurate body temperature reading.
Using two types of biometric sensors, temperature and heart rate (PPG sensor), and a sewable LilyPad Arduino microcontroller attached via stitches and velcro, to modular 3D printed chainmail.
Using the emerging technology of FDM and SLS 3D printing, to create flexible, lightweight and durable fabric made of a chainmail structure. The materials tested included: PLA, PET-G and Nylon 12. The manufacturing processes tested were: FDM and SLS 3D printing. This allows for on-demand printing with no waste, as well as the opportunity to manufacture locally within Australia.
I moved forward with the chainmail in the first image as it was one of the thinnest (only 3mm thick) and lightest designs. The structure is detachable allowing for modular design, and easy replaceability, enhancing sustainability.
Multiple iterations were prototyped of different forms and layers. I used cotton wadding, EVA foam off-cuts and canvas fabric to develop, refining each prototype along the way. The design had to sit near the neck and shoulder area as this was critical in positioning of the biometric sensors.
Millie Lush is an emerging industrial designer whose practice focuses on designing with empathy and intention. She explores how creativity and wearable technology can enhance women’s health and wellbeing, integrating craft, storytelling, and user-centred thinking to foster self-awareness and meaningful connection between people and their products.