'Scrubbits' is the response to an ethnographic-style study report on the act of cleaning surfaces. The report was written by my classmates Summer Geissman and Karam Ramadan and posed the following design challenges:
People have their own preferred pattern for wiping down surfaces, is there a way to help get to hard to reach surfaces?
Wiping starts, stops, and crumbs are forgotten as a cleaner is distracted, how can we reduce the effect of distractions?
How can we make cleaning more enjoyable?
Further constraints on our Winter Market project were set by the Design Department:
Price: $100 material budget
Time: Three weeks to develop, design, and deliver at least 10 products complete with packaging.
Intent: Winter Market products are designed for sustainability in mind and must fall into the 'housewares' category.
User-Experience
My project partner and I answered with surface cleaning tools fitted to the hand by form and a thick elastic, lending ergonomic power to the hand rather than the fingers. This consideration supports users with limited joint mobility in the hands, and is more 'enjoyable' than a tight grip on the edges of a wet sponge to any user.
My project partner and I answered with surface cleaning tools fitted to the hand by form and a thick elastic, lending ergonomic power to the hand rather than the fingers. This consideration supports users with limited joint mobility in the hands, and is more 'enjoyable' than a tight grip on the edges of a wet sponge to any user.
The different shapes visually indicate separate functions of each Scrubbit, while the teardrop shape is necessary for hard-to-reach space motions provided with the multi-purpose texture cloth.
The dimensions are close to a common kitchen sponge, so there are similar user expectations from that familiar product onto the use of this one. Users wipe and scrub the way they always have, but with the limit of a strap. Strapping the product to the user's hand aims to minimize the the choice of following distractions. Users have to stick to the task to completion. This theory follows Hick's law (the cognitive load of increased steps to switch tasks prevents the action) and the wearable aspect adds personal value to lengthen engagement.
Packaging is a rustic band tied around Scrubbits common feature: the center elastic. The clear boundary groups the elements into a single unit so that buyers are aware that they are purchasing a three-pack for $25.
There is a small note tucked inside that explains Scrubbits origin and sustainability goal inside.
Both of these elements are linocut prints- original laser cut stamps.
The logotype reinforces the products rustic qualities and visual features.
Scrubbits sold out completely in the first half hour of the 2 hour event.
Materials: Terrycloth, burlap, quilted cotton and minky fleece.
Year: 2021
Product Description: Scrubbits are handcrafted, versatile, machine-washable scrubbers that slide over your hand like a glove. Scrubbits come in packs of three, each with a special material for a specific cleaning task: a rough, abrasive sponge for cleaning dish grime, a plush terrycloth material to clean and polish glass, and a smooth dishcloth alternative for wiping and drying. Each Scrubbit features an elastic strap to provide stability and comfort – they're way more comfortable than a dishcloth or sponge!