EROIS:
Erogenous Zone Discovering Kit | 2024
Erois is designed to enhance the exploration of individual erogenous zones, offering a unique approach to intimacy. This kit encourages a personal journey of discovery, aiming to heighten sensory experiences for you and your partner. Drawing inspiration from the natural elements, it is designed to be a decorative piece, symbolizing the embrace of pleasure and the art of exploration. Ideal for individuals at any stage of their explorative journey, Erois invites you to awaken your senses and discover new depths of pleasure.
How can the exploration of erogenous zones through design challenge societal taboos and shift the narrative around self-pleasure?
In what ways can pleasure-centric design integrate into everyday life, encouraging individuals to embrace their erogenous zones without shame & foster a more open dialogue on human sexuality?
“Another way to have better orgasms is by becoming an expert on your own body. Some women don’t climax because they’ve never learned what excites them sexually.”
- Ruberg
Pleasure is multisensory and shaped by psychological context, emotional connection and non-genital touch, rather than penetration alone. Research shows that orgasm satisfaction increases when individuals develop awareness of their own erogenous zones and communicate desires with partners, strengthening intimacy and enhancing sexual wellbeing.
Erogenous sensitivity also changes over time due to hormonal, neurological and experiential shifts, meaning that pleasure is dynamic rather than fixed.
Survey
I conducted a survey to assess the level of awareness among individuals regarding erogenous zones, the frequency of their engagement with these zones during masturbation or foreplay, and their ability to identify their own or their partners’ erogenous zones.
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61.5% of respondents are familiar with erogenous zones, while 38.5% are not, indicating that while a majority understands this concept, a significant minority remains unaware, suggesting a need for enhanced sexual health education.
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A significant majority of respondents (75%) either always or often engage with erogenous zones, emphasizing their importance in enhancing sexual experiences. However, there remains a notable minority (25%) who barely or never engage with these areas, potentially indicating a gap in sexual education or interest in exploring erogenous zones. This suggests opportunities for further education and encouragement in sexual exploration to enhance overall sexual experiences.
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Ear
Lip
Neck
Armpit
Chest
Nipple
Arm
Wrist
Abs/lower back
Genital area/perineum
Inner thigh/pelvis
Knee/calf
Feet
Erogenous zone map
From the data gathered in this survey, I developed an erogenous zone map where darker areas indicate more frequent identification as erogenous zones by respondents. This map inspired me to further investigate various adult toys, seeing an opportunity to design products that aid individuals in enhancing their intimate knowledge of their bodies.
The survey and research highlighted significant opportunities for educational programs and product innovations aimed at enhancing sexual health and pleasure. There is a noticeable gap in the adult toy market for products that emphasize subtle and gentle stimulation, particularly designed for erogenous zone arousal.
Moodboard
My moodboard, defining this kit's design language, is inspired by nature, FW24 runway looks, and Ren Hang's work.
Nature — particularly plants, flowers, and trees —provides distinctive patterns and textures. Flowers symbolize sexuality and reproduction, central to my design exploration.
Ren Hang's intimate photographs, while initially sexual, convey themes of sexual liberation and confidence.
I also analyzed FW24 trends, selecting designs that reflect the qualities of my floral inspiration.
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Inspired by the floral elements from the moodboard, the components of the kit were thoughtfully designed with distinct functionalities. At this stage, the design includes 12 interchangeable components that can attach to a handle equipped with a vibrator for enhanced stimulation. The casing for these components serves multiple purposes: it not only stores the custom components I developed but also can be used as a flower vase. This multifunctionality enriches its utility and aesthetic appeal. Various textures and shapes were considered for each component, allowing users to tailor the experience to their individual needs.
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I conducted user testing with initial prototypes, asking participants to detail how each component influenced arousal or stimulation on their bodies. To ensure hygiene and safety, I specifically requested that participants avoid using the components on their genitals. This precaution helped focus the testing on less conventional erogenous zones.
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Following the user testing, I streamlined the design by reducing the number of components from thirteen to six. This decision was based on feedback indicating that a smaller selection might be less overwhelming and more effectively meet user needs. From the initial array, I eliminated components #1, #2, #5, #7, #10, and #11. I enhanced the remaining designs to maximize their effectiveness: I extended the tentacles of component #3 to increase stimulation, integrated features from components #4 and #9, added more height to #6 for enhanced reach, and altered the texture of #8 to dotted patterns to distinguish its sensations more clearly from those of #4. This refinement process aimed to optimize the functionality and user experience of each component.
