I menscykelns spår : Form, funktion och representation i tre mensappar

Sammanfattning: This thesis brings period tracking apps into the discourse of menstruation. How we speak of and communicate around periods contribute into building the idea of the menstruation and, by extension, the female body and femaleness. This is also true for visual communication, which is why this thesis analyses the form, function and representation of three of the most popular period tracking apps. The questions posed are: What are the most important characteristics of the general visual appearance? How are the apps meant to be used? In what ways can form and function be placed into a cultural historical context with focus being on symbolic representation? To answer these questions a method of semiotic analysis paired with case studies are used. Previous research has shown that period tracking apps in some ways play into the idea of menstruation as a taboo. This essay shows that the notion of menstruation as something to be kept and handled in private is present in the design of the apps.