An interactive printing machine providing a mix of information about menstruation
The Period Cloud provides factual, cultural and anecdotal information on menstrual health, period poverty, crowdsourced stories about anything period-related, and positive stories of menstruation across cultures and religions.
The user simply presses a button and learns something new about periods. Our aim is to encourage discussion around periods and to open up the conversation as much as possible to tackle the stigma and taboo around menstruation by educating the public on the topic. The receipt acts as a springboard for dialogue, or simply for the user to reflect on the content. This was a way for us to explore alternative and creative ways of delivering knowledge or engaging with our audience in discussing important social topics in public or community spaces.
The machine is made using a cloud shaped wooden box, 5 buttons, Arduino Uno, a thermal printer with receipt paper, an LCD screen and plastic labels. The interaction is coded using Arduino IDE.
