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Elixir
Elixir is a one-of-a-kind semi-automatic bottle-cleaning device inspired by the mechanism of the dishwasher and jet pressure technology that simplifies the effortless and quick cleaning of water bottle interiors. It is ideal for regular water bottles ranging from a capacity of 700 to 1000 ml. Designed for students living in residential institutions who neglect water bottle hygiene practices due to their busy academic schedules and many other factors. The device offers three cleaning modes to meet diverse cleaning needs. The device runs a self-cleaning cycle after each use to ensure its hygiene. Elixir includes a wall mount set for stable and secure installation.
Product Strategy
Elixir is designed for installation at water stations, allowing students to quickly clean their bottles before refilling. This device aims to instill a new habit among students. Additionally, essential requirements such as power, water, and drainage access are readily available at the water station, making it perfect for the functionality of the device.
Academic Project
Technically Complex Product
Technically Complex Product
Duration
8 week
Project Title
Elixir: Hydrate yourself the Hygienic way
The Process
Background study
The popularity of reusable water bottles
The water bottle is an essential product for today's youth, offering instant hydration anywhere.
Reusable water bottles gained popularity in the last two decades, driven by factors like the 'Bring Your Bottle' (BYOB) movement in the early 2000s and endorsements from social media influencers and celebrities to reduce single-use plastic. The bottle's inherent features itself, such as its portability, travel-friendliness, and ability to fit into backpacks, are the key factors that make it a popular choice for hydration.
Reusable water bottles gained popularity in the last two decades, driven by factors like the 'Bring Your Bottle' (BYOB) movement in the early 2000s and endorsements from social media influencers and celebrities to reduce single-use plastic. The bottle's inherent features itself, such as its portability, travel-friendliness, and ability to fit into backpacks, are the key factors that make it a popular choice for hydration.
What happens when the water bottle goes unwashed?
When cleaning of a water bottle gets neglected for longer, the interior surface of the bottle becomes suitable for the breeding ground for germs and bacteria which can even take the form of molds, the most prevalent bacteria are Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. which can cause foodborne illness. According to a study from waterfilterguru.com, reusable water bottles contain an average of 20.8m colony-forming units (CFUs) of bacteria, which equates to 40,000 times more than the microbes on a toilet seat.
Identifying stakeholder
After specifying context and user, Identifying the stakeholders with the help of layer mapping consists of core, middle, and outer layers which helped me understand the level of their influence and interest.
User: Students
Context: Residential Insinuations
Primary Research Outcome
Qualitative framework
I adopted POEMS framework for user research, a design thinking tool (originally introduced by Tomi Davies), it provides structure for notes, making it easier to synthesize the notes.
Root Cause Analysis
Along with POEMS, I employed three other types of frameworks to gain a more comprehensive understanding of users' habits and their associated problems from various angles. Subsequently, I approached the Why-Why analysis tool developed by Sakichi Toyoda to uncover the root problems and users' needs.
Four key factors influence their water bottle cleaning habit, including a busy schedule & lifestyle, the absence of a hygienic space, a lack of cleaning tools, and insufficient cleaning skills.
Design brief
To design a semi-automated bottle cleaning device for regular water bottles ranging capacity 700-1000ml for residential institution settings where students can easily access the cleaning.
Ideation
Ideation and Frankenstein Prototype
After gaining insights from user research and understanding their pain points, along with user needs identified through HMW statements, I initiated technology research at the beginning of ideation. Utilizing a Frankenstein prototype, I delved into understanding the dishwasher mechanism and ideated the concept through fragment generation.
Deliverables
Top view (Open )
Display & Control
Device mounted at the Water station
When did you clean your bottle last time?
Thank You!
