Lim Zi Suen Wins 2023 James Dyson Award with Innovative Educational Soap Toy
Penang, September 14, 2023 — In a groundbreaking achievement for Malaysian innovation, Lim Zi Suen from the Product Design Department at the School of the Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), has been named the National Winner of the prestigious James Dyson Award 2023. Her invention, Soapy, is set to revolutionize hand hygiene practices among children worldwide.
Soapy addresses a critical concern—contaminated hands, which are a major vector for the spread of diseases, particularly among young children. This innovative educational toy is designed to teach children the proper way to wash their hands, emphasizing recommended time durations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the vital importance of hand hygiene, especially for children who may lack awareness of correct handwashing techniques and their crucial impact. This knowledge gap has contributed to the transmission of infectious diseases among youngsters. Soapy steps in as a playful yet instructive solution.
The design philosophy behind Soapy centres around a spherical form, ensuring an ergonomic grip. Leveraging elements commonly found in toys, it incorporates a 40-second timer to guide children in adhering to the recommended handwashing duration. A UFO-like blinking indicator light signals the start of the process, accompanied by audio cues. The scrubber, made from silicone rubber, functions as a gentle yet effective dirt remover through a rotating motion. To dispense soap, a convenient press system is integrated, complemented by a vibration motor aiding in thorough cleaning. A protective case, also serving as a keychain, safeguards Soapy and facilitates easy transport.
The research for Soapy was conducted at Didik Gemilang Pre-School in Kedah, Malaysia. Observations and quantitative surveys were employed to pinpoint common hand hygiene shortcomings among children. The study revealed that children often rush through handwashing and lack proper guidance. The spaceship-like design, ergonomic sphere shape, and incorporation of toy elements were strategically chosen to enhance user engagement while promoting effective handwashing habits. Sustainability was also a key consideration, with Soapy delivering soap in foam form to minimize waste and maximize cleanliness.
Soapy stands out in a crowded market of hand soaps, as it goes beyond mere functionality. While numerous hand soaps are available, none actively engage children in the handwashing process. By combining playful elements with crucial functionalities like a timer, scrubber, and soap dispenser, Soapy prioritizes ease of use and habit formation.
Lim Zi Suen's remarkable achievement not only demonstrates the potential for local talent in the global design sphere but also offers a practical solution to a pressing health concern. Soapy has the potential to make a significant impact on children's hand hygiene practices worldwide, underscoring Malaysia's standing as a hub of innovative design solutions.
Teks by : Gurvinderjit Singh Sidhu Sarjit Singh
