The Do-It-Yourself Database
Project details
- Year
- 2024
- Programme
- Bachelor – Advertising & Beyond
- Practices
- Autonomous Practices
- Minor
- Hacking
Visit my work on the 3rd floor of the Wijnhaven 61 building, room Wh.3.316.
I created a physical database with an interactive element. I am only showing a preview on this page, so I want to invite you to come and see it in person!
THE DO-IT-YOURSELF DATABASE
A VISUAL DATABASE OF INVISIBLE WOMEN+ WITH A HORMONAL DISORDER
Due to a lack of scientific research, women+* with hormonal disorders such as PCOS, PMDD, PMS, endometriosis, and extreme menopause symptoms remain invisible in the healthcare system. “The Do-it-Yourself Database” illustrates the frustrating and lonely journey of finding a path between the lack of help in conventional healthcare and the contradictory advice in (online) alternative care. It documents the experiences of women+ with hormonal disorders who are experimenting with different methods to manage their hormonal balance, thereby ‘DIY-ing’ their own health. More research into hormonal health would make the process less isolating, but this issue still receives too little attention. Therefore, I decided to “DIY” my own research involving 181 women+. I create visual insights into their attempts —often more unsuccessful than successful—to manage their symptoms. An ongoing project, collecting and visualizing data to highlight the lack of data and support. Aiming to raise awareness, inspire further research, and ultimately improve the healthcare experience for women+ with hormonal disorders.
*woman+ refers all people born with a uterus.
8 highlighted stories out of 181 woman+ with a hormonal disorder:
.
.
Overall data based on 181+ women with a hormonal disorder:
An invitation to help “DIY” the visual database (performative & interactive):
Check out my website: kimdelouw.com
Check out my Instagram: @louwdesign