Project Background: Infertility affects approximately 11 percent of women and 9 percent of men of reproductive age. The quest to get (and stay) pregnant can be long and painful, impacting one's mental health--especially if that quest resulted in pregnancy loss or was ultimately unsuccessful. Unfortunately, fertility clinics seem to focus only on one thing (getting patients pregnant) and are typically poorly equipped to address the psychological impact of treatment, failed attempts, and loss.

Problem: How can we provide better support to couples going through fertility treatment?

Process: Pairing with another researcher, conducted informal interviews both with women and partners who have been treated for infertility. Created before and after system diagrams showing how each party views the infertility process and their respective social networks, as well as journey maps walking through this process.

Proposed Design Solution: Rather than suggesting simple design solutions, this project proposed shifting the paradigm of the infertility system by equally integrating the mental and physical health concerns of the patients and their partners who embark on this difficult journey. This means including psychologists on fertility clinic staff, including behavioral interviews as part of onboarding, and prescribing mental health treatments as necessary.