DUO: Co-dependent Birth Control Pills
DUO is a speculative contraceptive technology product for egalitarian couples, aiming to empower both partners and hold them equally accountable. Designed by first-year student Monica Albornoz, DUO consists of two pill packs: in this gender-binary scenario, one for the male and one for the female partner.
"DUO aims to balance the power paradigm when it comes to reproductive power."
Background
"Some women feel burdened by the traditional gendered responsibilities assigned to them, such as managing the home, caring for a child, and preventing an unwanted pregnancy," Monica shares. "But why is it only up to the woman in a male/female romantic partnership to decide on—and be held accountable for—pregnancy if it takes two to make a baby?"
DUO is a response to this disproportionate equation between agency and responsibility regarding reproductive health for couples. Envisioned for use in a post-liberal future, the product features two differently colored pill packs, one for each partner. The speculative chemistry of the pills only prevents pregnancy when each partner takes their pill dutifully.
The product features two differently colored pill packs, one for each partner. The speculative chemistry of the pills only prevents pregnancy when each partner takes their pill dutifully.
Process and research
"It was important to me to brand this politically-charged product so that it would be approachable and unintimidating," Monica explains of the branding. "I wanted to step away from the clinical look of traditional birth control and prescription drugs and imagined what DUO might look like as an off-the-counter product at a future time when reproductive rights are widespread and non-politicized."
First, Monica carefully selected the name DUO, alluding to the product's dual nature. It relates to couples and the core idea that the two components of the product only work when used together. After deciding on a logo, she brainstormed several different types of copy and iterated on the packaging dieline. Eventually, she lighted upon a colorful palette and fun graphic elements. To make the final prototype feel even more real, Monica painted aspirin pills to match the brand's colors.
DUO successfully opens up a conversation about who reproductive health belongs to and about what equality in the home should look like. Monica says she would like to take the project further and think beyond heterosexual male/female couples. "I envision designing new possibilities of products and interactions that might benefit non-traditional couples in their quest for agency, connection, or collaboration."