My name is Caitlin Egan, and I am a fourth-year Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours) student at Western Sydney University. I am an enthusiastic and energetic designer who thrives on creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Alongside my studies, I work in the Department of Education as a Student Learning Support Officer (SLSO), where I have developed strong organisational and adaptability skills through supporting diverse learning needs in dynamic environments. Most recently, my Honours thesis project was selected for the Tech & Innovation Showcase at SXSW Sydney 2025, a milestone I am extremely proud of.

Caitlin Egan

 

Australia is experiencing a rise in vehicle-based homelessness, with women and menstruating individuals disproportionately affected due to domestic violence and housing insecurity. Managing menstruation in this context presents unique challenges, including limited access to soap, bathrooms, and safe disposal. Current eco-conscious products fail to address these realities, creating a gap in accessible, practical hygiene solutions. This project proposes a menstrual hygiene product packaged in biodegradable material that dissolves into soap when mixed with water. The dual-purpose design provides both menstrual and personal hygiene support, directly addressing the constraints of vehicle living. Its discreet, cup-holder-sized packaging ensures portability and includes information about local support organisations, helping users connect with essential services. The design problem centres on the lack of menstrual products that respond to the intersections of homelessness, mobility, and hygiene. Traditional items overlook sanitation, disposal, and storage barriers. Through material innovation, sustainable manufacturing, and empathetic design, this project seeks to fill that gap. Research involves interviews with organisations such as Orange Sky, field observations, and iterative prototyping to ensure contextual relevance. By situating menstrual care within mobile living conditions, this project aims to restore dignity, improve hygiene access, and promote inclusivity through thoughtful, sustainable design.