Aloral

What it does

Aloral is a combination of "all" and "oral" meaning "total oral care." As the name implies, this is a smart oral care device that can comprehensively address issues related to oral care for the elderly.

Your inspiration

Oral health problems have seriously affected the health and quality of life of the elderly, including my loved ones, who also suffer from oral health problems. Therefore, I tried to focus on the theme of “oral care for the elderly”. By studying the physiological characteristics and behavioral habits of the elderly, combined with the analysis of existing technologies and future trends, I tried to design a new intelligence oral care products for the elderly.

How it works

Through reasonable assumptions about existing science and technology, I have divided the function of this intelligent oral care device into two parts: cleaning care and intelligent guidance. The cleaning and care components are mainly composed of hardware. The principle is similar to the oral irrigator. Different care effects can be achieved by adjusting the intensity of the water flow and the cooperation of different types of brush heads. Because the mouth of the elderly is more fragile, water is the most suitable carrier for oral care for the elderly. In order to adapt to the sensitive oral cavity of the elderly, the water tank has a heating function to prevent direct stimulation of the oral cavity of the elderly by cold water. The denture box adopts the electric lifting structure. The filter hole on the chassis ensures that the cleaning fluid can seep from the filter hole while the denture is being lifted, and the user can get the dry and clean denture.

Design process

Starting with this concept, I first conducted a second-hand data survey to study the current technologies and trends in oral care for the elderly, focusing on oral cleaning, testing and corrective care. Then I started researching and analyzing all the existing oral care products and classifying them to target my target products. Next, I began to study user-related information, combined with a wide range of questionnaire results and personal in-depth interview results, summed up the pain points and needs of the target users, and generated two different types of user portraits. Then, summarize and organize the information gained in the above process, start brainstorming, clarify the logic, analyze the functions required for the product, and implement the technology. After this step, I started looking for different styles of intent maps and started sketching. At this stage, I proposed three solutions. I chose the second solution. This solution is both novel and bold, but there are many unreasonable problems. I didn't realize until the end of the project. At this time, I decided to give up the plan. Finally, with the combined effect of model testing and iterative review, the final plan is finalized, and after careful adjustments and improvements, it becomes what it is now.

How it is different

It differs from other products in that it has some designs in details related to the physiological characteristics and behavioral habits of the elderly. For example, I set up the function of heating the water temperature for the sensitive oral cavity of the elderly, the convenient and reasonable design of the denture box and ergonomic handle design, etc. These designs are based on the user's feelings; the purpose is to bring a better user experience for the elderly and to become truly human-oriented human design

Future plans

If possible, I hope to work with people in the professional field to further clarify the mechanical principles, internal structure, and software programming aspects of this design to ensure that the concepts envisioned at present can be technically realized. I am very much looking forward to seeing a real Aloral!

Awards

1. Excellent graduated works of the Academy of Fine Arts, Tsinghua University, 2017-2018 2. Tsinghua University 2018 school-level outstanding graduation thesis