Not Just Bleeders – Understanding Dissatisfied Users of Menstrual Tracking Applications

Abstract

Menstrual tracking is a part of modern health and wellbeing monitoring. However, current menstrual tracking applications fail to cater for all potential and current users, resulting in a need to investigate user dissatisfaction at an advanced level. This study deepens understanding of the dissatisfied users of menstrual tracking applications. The results are based on 132 responses to a qualitative online questionnaire. The analysis of the data resulted in five factors describing causes for dissatisfaction and five groups comprising the needs of dissatisfied users. Dissatisfaction is caused by not fitting the identity, intended goals, process, or health condition of users. The focus should be shifted from tracking symptoms to predicting them, and to monitoring the menstrual cycles holistically, as well as designing for user identity. The results advocate a reformation in conceptualizing menstrual tracking applications through inclusivity of human dimensions.