AQUA Parkinson-friendly Water Flosser
Enhance independence in oral care through a Parkinson-friendly water flosser with a supportive grip and gentle suction to aid motor and swallowing difficulties.
Duration
3 months
Skills & Tools
Market Research, Problem-framing, Product Visualization, Procreate, CAD, Foam Modeling & CNC Machining, KeyShot
Challenges in Early-Mid Stage Parkinson's Patients
Dry mouth, motor issues, and swallowing disorders are key Parkinson's symptoms that increase the risk of oral health problems and make flossing challenging and unsafe.
90%
50%
80%
Hand Tremor / Stiffness
Swallowing Difficulties
Seek Independence in Daily Routine
"Water Flossers Are Recommended - But Not Designed for Parkinson's…"
Parkinson's symptoms increase the risk of oral health problems and make flossing challenging and unsafe. Water flossers are recommended, but current products on the market are not Parkinson's friendly.
Strength & aiming required to set up & refill
No grip support
Small and hard-to-press buttons
Risk of water choking
Design Objective
Enhance independence in oral care through a Parkinson-friendly water flosser with supportive grip and gentle suction to aid motor and swallowing difficultites.
Current Solutions in the Market
Existing solutions rely on add-on accessories to assist hand movement, increasing complexity and intimidation. There's an opportunity for an inclusive design that is safe, intuitive, and convenient for both disabled users and general consumers.
Parkinson's inclusive features
General consumer design
Fine motor required
Ease of handling
Opportunity
Workflow Analysis
Analyzing how the current product in the market vs the new design solution work.
Current product in the market vs New solution
Initial Ideation
Brainstorming ergonomic forms with different grip-support solutions from built-in hand straps to wall or desk-mounted arms.
Expert Insights
Dr. Mack Hoban
Dentist of Hoban Dentistry
Dr. Brittany Krekeler, PhD
Assistant Professor, Clinician-Scientist
Dysphagia Rehabilitation Laboratory - PI
Shashank Obulasetti
Volunteer at Parkinson's Community Fitness
Stimulating Stiffness
Wrapping rubber bands around finger joints
2-3 minutes
Restricted wrist and joint movement
Testing PD stiffness on 3 models
On-site Testing
Multiple visits for feedback and design revisions
Form Evaluation
First Model Iterations
Second Model Iterations
Final Model Iterations
Concept Refinement
Explore and refine different concept directions from adjustable hand straps to built-in handles for grip support.
Introducing
AQUA - Parkinson-friendly Water Flosser
AQUA is a water flosser designed for people with Parkinson’s disease, featuring an ergonomic supportive handle and an integrated suction system to help prevent water aspiration during use.
Key Components
Built-in suction
Accessible release button
Magnetic twist-lock
USB-C charging
1 Click
Water pressure & Suction "ON"
3 Clicks
Water pressure & Suction "OFF"
Power Off
Lights automatically off after turning red
2 Clicks
Water pressure "ON"
Suction "OFF"
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