The NYC Department of Health and Yves Behar of fuseproject have joined forces in an effort to encourage safe sex in New York City.
The coalition recently unveiled a brand new look for the NYC condom, as well as a high-design dispenser, which will debut in 200 New York City venues in the coming weeks. Both the condom’s packaging and the dispensers were created by Behar, who believes the new designs will promote awareness and increase acceptance.
According to Behar, “Good design can help bring condoms out of the closet. The brand’s friendly design and the dispenser’s approachable shape convey openness and acceptance. They say condoms are nothing to be embarrassed about.”
Since the NYC Condom was introduced last year on Valentine’s Day, the Health Department has distributed more than 36 million condoms. That’s twice the number given out annually before the City launched its own brand. Some 900 local businesses, clinics, and non-profit organizations now distribute the condoms free-of-charge.
It’s an interesting program, and all signs seem to indicate that it’s working–more proof of the power of design.
I think it needs more than just “good design” to make condom out of the closet, it needs more like “open mind” from the users.
It shouldn’t take an open mind… It should take a logical mind and a piece of common sense.
Great post!!, I’ve just found your blog, and am enjoying what I’ve read so far.
I think they do a great job promoting the NYC condoms. I guess they are something like the NY souvenir of the early 21st century :)
http://condomunity.com