Katherine A.
DESIGN
BLOOM
BLOOM is a speculative design project exploring the possibility of a portable artificial womb in hopes to address women's self-image concerns related to pregnancy. The aim is to promote childbirth and ultimately boost birth rates over time whilst maintaining a woman’s sense of self in a dystopian future.
Speculative Design | 2024
LEARN2AI with N3XTCODER
LEARN2AI is a UX research project exploring learner behavior in synchronous and asynchronous education. Based on interviews and surveys, insights were translated into wireframes for a more flexible learning platform. The project was presented at Re:Publica 2025 to stakeholders including Microsoft, GitHub, and the German Ausbildung sector.
UX Design | 2025
I'm new to design and am currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Media and Communications Design.
This page showcases some of the work I've created for academic purposes.
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Speculative Design
Procreation is essential for the continuation of humanity and has a significant impact on population sustainability and public health, necessitating proper medical care for mothers and children. Pregnancy intersects with societal expectations and cultural norms, influencing family and gender roles. Economically, birth rates affect labour markets and long-term planning. Additionally, pregnancy holds profound personal and emotional significance for individuals and families and raises important ethical questions and policy debates on reproductive rights, healthcare access, and parental leave. The rationale behind developing a portable artificial womb is to address women's self-image concerns related to pregnancy. The aim is to promote childbirth and ultimately boost birth rates over time whilst maintaining a woman’s sense of self.
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Please note that this prototype was designed with a dystopian scenario in mind.
The Future of Pregnancy
scenario
research
Beauty Standards
Social media heavily influences current beauty standards for women. Many "mommy influencers" share photos comparing their postpartum bodies to their pregnant ones, highlighting their "bounce back." This can worsen body image issues during and after pregnancy. Comparisons in finances, health, and other areas further exacerbate these concerns (Nagl et al., 2021; MacPherson et al., 2023). This led to the development of surgical procedures known as the "mommy makeover," which includes breast augmentation, breast lift, buttock augmentation, labiaplasty, liposuction, and tummy tuck (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, n.d.). Many women feel inadequate when compared to influencers and may turn to surgery to regain their self-esteem. They often compare themselves to women who are genetically different. Some women choose to undergo multiple procedures at once to reduce recovery time, which can increase the risk of complications and, in some cases, result in death (Stephanie Lange, 2024).
Artificial Womb
An artificial womb is a device designed to support the development of a fetus outside the human body, replicating the natural conditions of a mother's womb. It delivers oxygen and nutrients, removes waste, and maintains proper temperature and fluid levels, potentially aiding premature babies and advancing fertility treatments (Willyard, 2024).
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Emanuel M. Greenberg was among the first to explore this concept, filing a patent in 1954 that included a tank with amniotic fluid, an umbilical cord machine, blood pumps, an artificial kidney, and a water heater (Greenberg, 1955). Following his ideas, institutions like Juntendo University, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Eindhoven University of Technology, and the Weizmann Institute developed their own artificial wombs.
Biomimicry (Pangolin Scales)
Pangolin scales, made of keratin, are known for their exceptional strength, flexibility, and protective qualities. Developing body armour that mimics the overlapping, flexible, and tough structure of pangolin scales to provide enhanced protection and mobility for military and law enforcement personnel. Advantages of Biomimicry with Pangolin Scales Enhanced Protection:
The unique overlapping structure of pangolin scales provides exceptional impact resistance and protection.
Enhanced Protection: Exceptional impact resistance.
Flexibility: Wide range of motion and adaptability.
Lightweight: Reduced burden while maintaining strength.
Sustainability: Eco-friendly production using natural design principles.
What is BLOOM?
artefact
"WOMB"
Material: Something sterile | Prototype: Silicone
The bio bag holds the fetus and mimics the environment of an actual womb.
HANDLE AND TUBE
Material: Plastic, Medical tube | Prototype: Clay, Straw
The tube is connected to the fetus and is aimed to mimic the umbilical cord, transporting nutrients to the fetus and is connected to the handle where the feeding opening is located.
CHARGING DOCK
Material: Plastic | Prototype: Air Dry Clay
Charging allows BLOOM devices to work and complete tasks such as feeding, temperature regulation and monitoring vitals.
SCALES
Material: Carbon Fibre | Prototype: Reflective paper
The scales protects the bio bag that holds the fetus and stretches as the fetus grows. The intended purpose is to protect and regulate the temperature of the bio bag.
*for illustration purposes, the prototype is not covered with "scales"
Usage
Cultivate relationships between family and/or friends.
Cultivate relationships between father and fetus.
Promote cooperation between couples before childbirth.
Aid single mothers and victims of rape.
Enable women to feel confident and retain sense of self.
Encourage birth rates.
Enable infertile couples.
Generic couples
Infertile couples
Single mothers (victims of rape)
Premature babies
Target Audience
Vetting Process
interaction
Due to the nature of the subject, BLOOM device is not accessible to everyone. One will have to undergo an evaluation in order to use the product.
Data Collection: will allow BLOOM access to personal health and criminal records.
Profiling: BLOOM reserves the right to bar anyone from using their product if interested parties show signs of unsuitability.
Psychic Evaluation: will be carried out to ensure a BLOOM device is handed to the right hands.
conceive
Positive Change
impact
fertilisation
match-
making
transfer embryo
to BLOOM
watch fetus grow
delivery
At this stage:
Users may hand over the fetus to responsible parties, guardians or caretakers when unavailable.
any stage of
pregnancy
Posters
Random Things
INVISIBLE CITIES
valdrada
Even when lovers twist their naked bodies, skin against skin, seeking the position that will give one the most pleasure in the other, even when murderers plunge the knife into the black veins of the neck and more dotted blood pours out the more they press the blade that slips between the tendons, it is not so much their copulating or murdering that matters as the copulating or murdering of the images, limpid and cold in the mirror.
Community Clubs in Universities
UX project introducing a “club” feature to support social connection among students, based on interviews with introverted and extroverted users. Developed from paper prototypes to Figma, with outcomes presented through UX storytelling and storyboarding.
UI/UX Design | 2024
SEVEN
RIDE.SEVEN is a conceptual branding project exploring a cycling-focused outdoor identity centered on individual training and mental endurance. It reflects on self-motivation and the pursuit of incremental progress, framing cycling as both a physical and psychological discipline. A minimalist visual language is used to convey motion, focus, and intensity.
Visual and Communication Design | 2024
Valdrada
Valdrada is a city situated on water in the book Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino. Here is my interpretation of an event taking place in their world.
Poster Design | 2024
