Oh hi, this is huge, thank you for your input! Do you want to be on the tag list?

I think I can get the unit cost under $100, probably quite a bit less. Under $50 is a reasonable goal. In my research even used older units were in the $500+ range, is there a cheaper option (besides the somewhat dubious OneTouch units)? Once I get the Lite version done and I go on to a microcontroller-based version, I also think I can maintain that price point while adding functionality that I believe even a number of professional machines don't have. Top Secret for now until I get there but if everything goes to plan, my very best version might even have an edge over existing units performance-wise.

Self work is a huge bummer for sure, even practicing on my arm was a little frustrating. My dream scenario is that transfems and their especially close friends/intimate partners can use this together - this strikes me as a perfect way to lean on community for trans empowerment. I'm also hoping that making this less of a design to just throw on the internet and more of a cohesive package - manuals, FAQ content, possibly photos or videos, all sorts of things to make the process safer and less intimidating. It's a really careful line to walk with ensuring people aren't underinformed and overconfident, but are also not scared off from something that's totally possible in the absence of financial means for the traditional route. If you know of any good educational resources, definitely let me know!

I have a lot of questions I'd love to run by you actually but I won't bombard you with all of them right now, especially because I'm too burnt out to touch this right now (see post from like an hour ago). I look forward to seeing you around though!