Cumulus

by Jude Horsburgh

Project Description

In general, transgender people report lower levels of sexual satisfaction and sexual quality of life when compared to their cisgender peers. The constant fetishization of trans bodies by the general public, as well as the stigma surrounding them, builds on top of unique, more personal issues such as dysphoria and discomfort. Whilst most of these issues surrounding stigma and society can’t be solved through direct design interventions, areas such as dysphoria and the constantly changing needs for changing bodies can be addressed. Cumulus is a modular sex toy that addresses the changing and shifting needs of the transgender experience, being able to shift dependent on dysphoria levels, partners, and changes to the body due to hormones, surgery, and other possible medical interventions.

Developing this project involved immersing the research and development within the trans context, as due to the lack of current design language and solutions, the form, function, and concept needed to be developed from the ground up. The transgender experience is not something solid or concrete, with every person living vastly different lives, and as such creating one base form and static design would not address this wide array of experience. This led to the creation of a modular form; an external toy with interchangeable heads and differing vibration levels to allow for a vast variety of play and pleasure.

Annotated render detailing function and form of Cumulus

Annotated render detailing components and main kit

Appearance Model demonstrating a different modular form

Bio

I am a designer inspired by problems, and the puzzles needed to solve them. I have skills and experience in user research, physical prototyping, and digital coding and development, allowing me to create beautiful products that are practical, functional, and respond to the task required. My past experience and design practice surround the intersection of the digital and physical, bringing in classical physical design with the more contemporary digital connected world. I thrive in situations and workplaces where no two days are the same, and I can put my varied skills and experience to the test.

previous project / next project

2021 bachelor index