From Stigma To Underwear
Year: 2023
Company: Convatec
Supervisiors: Magnus Feil, Jost Siebert
Idea: Adaptable Ostomy Device
What is a stoma?
The term "stoma" is used in medicine for an artificial bowel outlet, an artificial urinary diversion or a permanent tracheostomy.
There is a big variety of various forms of a stoma. Basically, a distinction is made between Ileostomy (small intestine), colostomy (colon) and urostomy (bladder).
On the sketch on the right side, you can see an ileostomy, on which I focused on.
The output drains out of the body into a device called "ostomy pouch".
What is a stoma?
The term "stoma" is used in medicine for an artificial bowel outlet, an artificial urinary diversion or a permanent tracheostomy.
There is a big variety of various forms of a stoma. Basically, a distinction is made between Ileostomy (small intestine), colostomy (colon) and urostomy (bladder).
On the sketch on the right side, you can see an ileostomy, on which I focused on.
The output drains out of the body into a device called "ostomy pouch".
Why ostomys should be like underwear
"Many people with an ostomy live active, fulfilling lives and often, no one would even notice. With the right clothing, there‘s no visible difference. In fact, there are parallels between a stoma bag and underwear: both should remain invisible if the person chooses so, feel high quality, come in chooseable colors, support daily routines. Of course, there is much more to consider when it comes to ostomy products. In fact, an ostomy is a much more complex product than, say, a pair of boxer shorts, but it should have the same requirements."
© 2025 Benjamin Gugerell. All visuals, unless otherwise specified, are created by Benjamin Gugerell.
© 2025 Benjamin Gugerell. All visuals, unless otherwise specified, are created by Benjamin Gugerell.
Why ostomys should be like underwear
"I believe it‘s important to normalize life with a stoma. Many people with an ostomy live active, fulfilling lives – and often, no one would even know they have a stoma bag. With the right clothing, there‘s no visible difference. In fact, there are strong parallels between a stoma bag and underwear: both should feel comfortable, come in appealing colors, support daily routines, and remain invisible if the person chooses so.
Of course, there is much more to consider when it comes to ostomy products. In fact, an ostomy is a much more complex product than, say, a pair of boxer shorts, but it should have the same requirements."
© 2025 Benjamin Gugerell. All visuals, unless otherwise specified, are created by Benjamin Gugerell.