2026

Design Awards Silver Winner - Rhode Island School of Design

Rhythm

Entrant

Rhode Island School of Design

Category

Medical / Scientific Equipment - Healthcare

Client's Name

Country / Region:

United States

Rhythm is a tactile menstrual health watch designed for visually impaired women, offering a more private and accessible way to track the menstrual cycle. The project responds to the lack of inclusive menstrual care tools, as most existing methods rely on screens and visual interfaces.
Designed for everyday wear, Rhythm turns cycle tracking into a clear tactile experience. After connecting to a smartphone via Bluetooth for initial setup, the watch provides vibration feedback to confirm each action. On the top layer, Braille numbers from 1 to 28 represent the menstrual cycle. By sliding a finger along the circular track, the user can find a small bead that indicates how many days remain before the next period. Lifting the cover reveals a second layer for time-checking, where raised Braille dots display the time. Two side buttons allow the user to switch between recording menstrual flow and pain level. The user records data by pinching the first-layer cover, where a pressure-sensitive sensor detects different levels of force and translates them into changes in the tactile matrix on the second layer. If needed, the user can press and hold the largest side button to restart the recording until the result feels accurate.
By combining tactile language, wearable technology, and health tracking, Rhythm helps visually impaired women manage menstrual health with greater autonomy, confidence, and privacy.

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