@article {Coffey399, author = {Patricia S Coffey and Maggie Kilbourne-Brook}, title = {Using human-centred design to develop an innovative female condom}, volume = {7}, number = {2}, pages = {399--406}, year = {2021}, doi = {10.1136/bmjinnov-2020-000534}, publisher = {BMJ Specialist Journals}, abstract = {Objective The female condom is a non-hormonal barrier method that can protect from unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV. Female condoms are an important contribution to women{\textquoteright}s reproductive health globally as they are the only woman-initiated method currently available that can provide dual protection. This article describes how human-centred design (HCD) was applied to the development of the Woman{\textquoteright}s Condom{\textemdash}a second-generation female condom.Methods A multidisciplinary team pioneered the application of HCD principles to develop a novel reproductive health product. The Woman{\textquoteright}s Condom design incorporated feedback from both female and male users from multiple sites in the USA and Cuernavaca, Mexico; Durban, South Africa and Khon Kaen, Thailand to inform product development.Results We developed and tested more than 50 design iterations reflecting various solutions to user-related concerns. The final locked design confirmed that the Woman{\textquoteright}s Condom was easy to use, stable, comfortable and provided satisfactory sensation during sex for both partners. The {\textquoteleft}dissolving capsule{\textquoteright} to facilitate insertion and {\textquoteleft}soft cling{\textquoteright} design are key innovative features of the Woman{\textquoteright}s Condom.Conclusion The Woman{\textquoteright}s Condom is a second-generation female (or internal) condom product that has been shown to be highly acceptable to users throughout the world. The Woman{\textquoteright}s Condom{\textquoteright}s special design features enable easy insertion, secure fit during use, good sensation and easy removal. Engaging users as codesigners through an HCD approach resulted in a female condom that meets the needs of women and men from diverse regions.Data sharing not applicable as no datasets generated and/or analysed for this study.}, issn = {2055-8074}, URL = {https://innovations.bmj.com/content/7/2/399}, eprint = {https://innovations.bmj.com/content/7/2/399.full.pdf}, journal = {BMJ Innovations} }