Zaskia
Product DesignCollaborators
Sofía Alanis. Product design student
Ximena Oliver. Product design student
About the project
Zaskia is an innovative sanitation device designed to transform the menstrual experience in public restrooms.
Inspired by the organic, welcoming form of the Alcatraz flower, this fixed station is specifically engineered to facilitate the cleaning of menstrual cups. It bridges the gap between private needs and public infrastructure, reimagining the restroom as an inclusive space that supports sustainable hygiene practices with dignity and ease.
Overview
Why
Current public restrooms are rarely designed with the reality of the menstrual cycle in mind. For individuals using sustainable alternatives like menstrual cups, the lack of private, hygienic cleaning options in public stalls creates significant stress and physical discomfort.
This environmental gap often forces users back toward single-use products, which not only burdens the individual with carrying extra supplies but also contributes to the growing global crisis of non-biodegradable waste.
Who and How
The development of Zaskia was rooted in a multi-dimensional research phase that analyzed the menstrual experience through spatial, social, economic, and political lenses.
By understanding the situational pain points of menstruating in public, the design process focused on creating a solution that felt intimate and friendly rather than clinical.
The project advocates for a systemic shift, moving the responsibility of menstrual management away from the individual and placing it onto the design of the shared environment.
What and When
The project resulted in a device designed to be integrated directly into public restroom stalls.
Its core functionality focuses on a simplified, discreet cleaning process for menstrual cups, eliminating the need for users to leave the stall or carry additional water bottles.
The design prioritizes ergonomics and intuitive use, utilizing a form factor that is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain within a high-traffic public facility.
Results
The final design successfully removes the logistical barriers associated with sustainable menstruation. By adapting the physical space to meet the user's biological needs, Zaskia eliminates the burden of preparation, making the use of menstrual cups as convenient as traditional methods.
The result is a specialized fixture that provides a private, hygienic, and seamless experience, fostering a sense of comfort and safety in what was previously a high-stress environment.
Impact
Zaskia goes beyond simple product design to influence the broader conversation around menstrual equity and environmental responsibility.
By making public spaces menstruation-aware, the project encourages the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives and reduces the generation of single-use waste.
Ultimately, it promotes a more dignified and inclusive society where a natural biological process is no longer an obstacle to participating comfortably in public life.