We live in a society focused on consumption. We literally define ourselves by the products we consume by extending ourselves and giving them meaning. Too often, we develop associations of other consumers through these defined meanings, which can be positive or negative. My thesis focuses on the stigmas we attach to these products, and how we can apply design and marketing to shift these negative views to something more positive. Specifically, my work has been on shifting the stigma we attach to the birth control pill, being used amongst the sexually active to prevent pregnancy, to an effective tool used to maximize the quality of life amongst teenga teenage girls by combating health problems many are currently experiencing. In shifting the perception of this product amongst this demographic, those that are afflicted by health problems can finally feel comfortable consuming this product free from the negative backlash currently taking place today.

AD 521 - Adv Industrial Design, Prof. Peter Pfanner