UN/VEILED
Un/Veiled explores the intersection of cultural sensitivity and discreet design to respond to the complex needs of South Asian women experiencing relationship abuse. A series of three guided journals disguised as menstrual pads aims to empower them while also maintaining their safety.
THE JOURNALS
Each of the three journals is catered to a distinct need faced by South Asian women experiencing relationship abuse.
The Understanding journal helps the user recognize the signs of abuse, understand their situation, and process their realizations.
The Tracking journal provides a place to both track, collect evidence for, and reflect on instances of abuse.
The Preparing journal is a one stop shop for compiling resources and for preparing for any situation that arises.
SAFETY
All aspects of the guided journals are intentionally designed to promotes the safety of those who use them. Their print form prevents them from being tracked digitally. Their pad disguise allows them to be carried anywhere and used without raising alarm. In addition, a South Asian male partner is less likely to peruse items he believes have to do with menstruation due to cultural taboo. The below image allows comparison between the journals and real pads.
THE DESIGN
The visual design of the notebooks pays homage to South Asian culture. Most resources for victims of relationship abuse look dull, depressing, or are even triggering. The visually pleasing design serves to provide a sense of empowerment to the user.
Motifs and patterns such as the floral design are common in South Asian culture. They appear on everything from textiles to signage to religious items.
Bright, loud, and what would be considered clashing colors by Western design standards are common in South Asian design. The color palette of Un/Veiled is directly inspired by colors often seen on the roads and textiles of India.
The title typography is inspired by South Asian truck signage. The typography of the interior journal layouts is designed to promote easy use and readability.
The eyes featured on the covers of the journal are shifted slightly on each cover. When viewed sequentially, this provides the illusion of the eyes looking around and keeping watch. This is to represent protection for the user and to subtly empower them.
