Buying a pregnancy test is not a great experience. The shelf sets are overwhelming and awkward (with pregnancy tests often placed next to condoms). Bright packaging draws attention and incites reactions from fellow customers as well as store employees.

There are currently two types of pregnancy tests on the market: ‘sticks’ and ‘strips.’ Sticks are commonly found in drug stores and include a big, plastic housing. Strips are ordered online and are basically just a strip of paper. The chemistry in both tests is exactly the same.

Pregnancy test strips are significantly less expensive (50 cents vs 5 dollars), but require the user to urinate in a cup and then dip the strip into the cup. The opportunity became improving the experience of using the test strips.

Ideation for this project focused on developing some sort of handle for the test strips. Eventually, it became apparent that this handle should be part of the packaging. Moving back and forth between 2D and 3D sketching made it possible to develop a refined concept.

During research, I spoke with a lot of people who had been trying to conceive for a significant period of time (and thus using a lot of pregnancy tests.) Ovulation predictor strips come in exactly the same size and shape as pregnancy test strips, so I saw an opportunity to design a kit that includes both.

Sibyl, an ovulation predictor kit, includes enough test strips for one cycle. The packaging is meant the be attractive enough to carry in your purse. Ovulation tests are most effective when taken in the middle of the day, a time when many women are likely out of the house.

Each strip is housed in a thin piece of cardboard. The cardboard is bent backwards to reveal the strip. This makes it easy to hold, but also provides a stand to keep the strip off the countertop while it develops.

Currently, test strips are packaged in individual foil wrappers. Sibyl is intentionally simple, adding just a small, flat sheet of cardboard to the packaging. This would help keep costs—and waste—minimal.

Sibyl could easily sync with cycle tracking apps (like Clue) to mail kits directly to users right when they need it. This means one less thing to remember to buy at the store, and no more awkward conversations with cashiers.