An Exploratory Study on the Disposable Sanitary Pads for User-Oriented Product Design

This paper aims to examine the status of sizing specifications for disposable sanitary pads on the market and to offer information on product design that reflect the requests of consumer by gathering opinion through the practical experience of consumers. Seventy-six varieties of sanitary pads on market are measured and the evaluations of wearing comfort were investigated by the questionnaire and interview for sixty three varieties of sanitary pads. As a result, they were classified into five sizes related with length but vaguely related with thickness and width. Thickness is distinguished by the compressibility that is marked as slim or ultra slim by the same brand. However, there is no sizing consistency for all products. The result shows that there is some confusion for consumers to choose desired sizes, In addition, the perception of wearing is categorized into four factors that are product performance, size and fit, wearing feeling and margin of action, and adhesive property and wrapping. The manufacturing specifications for the sanitary pads on domestic market, the requests of consumers for sanitary pad design modifications, and proposals for follow-up studies were figured out through this research.

사용자 중심 제품설계를 위한 일회용 생리대의 탐색적 연구