Please CyMe: Towards Enhancing Menstrual Health Awareness through Customization and Personalized Visualization in a Menstrual Health App

Menstruating individuals experience various physiological and psychological changes throughout their reproductive lives and each menstrual cycle (MC). Although numerous digital health technologies (DHTs), such as menstrual health (MH) tracking apps, exist, there is limited research on how customization options and personalized visualizations of MC data and associated symptoms impact user experiences with these technologies. Furthermore, evidence on the long-term effects of these features on MH awareness and literacy is sparse. Therefore, the goals of this research are twofold: First, we examine users’ current experiences and needs regarding MH (technologies) in an online survey with 272 participants, highlighting a discrepancy between individuals’ perceptions and their actual understanding of their MH and its impact on their well-being. Yet, participants showed a strong interest in understanding and managing their MH through DHTs. Desired improvements in MH technologies include more accurate prediction of MC phases, as well as more comprehensive insights and support in managing MH through customization and personalization. Second, to examine how customization options and personalized visualizations of MH data affect user engagement and improve MH awareness and literacy in a longitudinal study with up to 70 participants, we are currently developing the MH study app CyMe [si:][mi:].