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color-changing dinosaur paw handwashing tool helps kids build consistent hygiene habits
through textures and responsive color cues, dinoosh turns handwashing into an intuitive play.
Dinosaur paw Device Integrates Hygiene Cues Into Everyday Play
Dinoosh is a handwashing tool designed to support hygiene habit-building in young children through tactile and visual interaction. The project by Tejas Vashishtha and Aarya Ghule adopts a character-based form, a dinosaur paw, to create a familiar object that integrates seamlessly into daily routines. Its design aims to shift handwashing from an externally prompted activity to a self-directed practice by embedding cues directly into the product’s geometry and material behavior.
The device features a soft, ergonomic body that children can hold comfortably, with a paw-shaped soap imprint that dispenses gel when squeezed. Textures on the surface guide the hand’s movement during washing, encouraging correct rubbing motions. The spacing of the dinosaur ‘fingers’ aligns with a child’s hand, helping clean areas that are commonly missed. A series of ridges along the back provides a stable grip during scrubbing.
Color-Change System Provides Built-In Handwashing Guidance
A thermochromic color-change system offers a built-in 20-second timing cue. As the child rubs their hands and the material warms slightly, the product’s surface transitions to a different color, indicating when washing is sufficiently thorough. This visual feedback reduces the need for external reminders and supports consistent habit formation.
The design process incorporated research in child ergonomics, behavioral psychology, and safe-use material selection. Early sketch studies explored the integration of a character-like silhouette with functional washing requirements. The main body is produced through HDPE blow molding for durability and lightness, while smaller elements are injection molded for accuracy and ease of assembly. Thermochromic pigments were selected to provide a clear, intuitive signal without requiring electronic components.
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project info:
name: Dinoosh
designer: Tejas Vashishtha, Aarya Ghule
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