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The traditional design of the speculum and the pelvic exam itself has historically prioritized clinical convenience over patient comfort. It was designed by individuals with little regard for patient experience, tested on populations marginalized in medical research, and rooted in a culture that often ignores patient dignity.
Recognizing this, the Yona Care team embarked on a project rooted in radical empathy. This approach involves deeply understanding and feeling the experiences of those undergoing pelvic exams by engaging with first-person accounts. In workshops, male designers read and internalized the narratives of people with vaginas—including trans men and LGBTQIA+ individuals—whose experiences often involve heightened discomfort, miscommunication, and trauma.