Menstrual emergencies have always been stressful and unexpected, leaving individuals without access to essential hygiene products when they need them most. In such situations, finding help quickly can be a challenge, especially in public places or unfamiliar locations.

Recognizing this issue, I worked on developing FlowFriend, a platform designed to empower females by connecting them with others nearby who can provide assistance during a menstrual emergency.

When conceptualizing FlowFriend, my first step was researching existing solutions and identifying gaps in menstrual health support platforms. While numerous period-tracking and health-awareness apps exist, I realized that very few actively provided real-time help in emergencies.

Additionally, most solutions focused primarily on period prediction, health tracking, or e-commerce for menstrual products. However, none truly addressed immediate, on-the-spot emergencies where individuals could find someone nearby willing to assist them. Another major observation was the stigma surrounding menstruation in many societies, which discourages open conversations and easy access to support when needed.

Through this research, I understood the importance of privacy, discretion, and reliability in building a platform where individuals feel safe requesting and offering help. This insight became the foundation for FlowFriend’s community-driven assistance model.

The journey of FlowFriend started with wireframing the core functionalities: ensuring a seamless user experience while keeping the interface intuitive and minimal. My priority was to make the request process as quick and stress-free as possible, reducing the number of steps required for someone to ask for help.

During the design phase, I found myself continuously refining the user flow. Initially, I thought complex filtering options were necessary, but through testing, I realized that simplicity was key—one click should be enough to send a request.

To keep the experience structured yet engaging, I divided the platform into three key sections:

Onboarding: Users register and verify their identity to ensure a safe community.

Home Section: A dashboard displaying active requests in the area and an option to "Request Help" instantly.

Request & Response: Upon clicking "Request," nearby users receive a notification and can respond with their availability.

Period & Health Tracking: Users can log their menstrual cycle, hormone levels, and emotional state, helping them better understand their health patterns over time. This section provides AI-driven insights, predicting mood swings, cramps, and hormonal changes based on past data.

In this Request & Response section, users can choose to send anonymous requests, ensuring privacy while maintaining accessibility.

Additionally, the Period & Health Tracking feature allows users to monitor their cycle with predictions on ovulation, PMS symptoms, and overall well-being, turning FlowFriend into a comprehensive menstrual health assistant beyond emergency support.

Reflecting on this project, I learned the significance of designing with empathy, especially when working on solutions for sensitive issues like menstrual health. FlowFriend is not just a tech product; it’s a community-driven initiative that fosters support among individuals.

One of the biggest takeaways from this project was the importance of iteration—each test and feedback loop led to refinements that improved usability and accessibility. Every design decision was driven by real user needs, ensuring that the app remains practical and empowering.

Through FlowFriend, I aimed to create a future-proof solution that embraces inclusivity, innovation, and real-world problem-solving. This project solidified my commitment to designing products that positively impact everyday lives, making meaningful contributions to accessibility and community-driven support. View the whole project at : https://ishikadixit.framer.website/case-study-flow-friend