Rocket Timer

A fun system that reimagines the morning routine that utilizes both physical and digital designs.

Its wings provide visual aesthetics while functioning as structural support for stability and acting as a divider.

Problem Statement

Many people, especially children, do not brush their teeth as long as dentists recommend. Under-brushing can lead to plaque and bacteria buildup, gum issues, and may cause more severe health issues.

Solution

This design emulates a rocket visually, making it not only an attractive and exciting experience, but also providing a logical solution for storage of your teeth cleaning essentials, along with the integration of your phone. It incorporates a cell phone interface as a timer, and uses sound and vibration when the timer is up, to simulate a rocket liftoff.

The phone sits in the front compartment, with the screen partially exposed, providing an innovative yet subtle way to interact with the device, while not dominating the experience.

Interface

Day Mode

Night Mode

The app automatically switches between day and night mode according to the time, making for a more exciting experience.

After pressing the Lift Off button, users are prompted to insert the device into the slot.

Using the phone’s proximity sensor, the app can detect when the phone is inserted in place, and begins the countdown.

When the timer ends, the phone vibrates and plays a track that mimics the liftoff of a rocket.

Due to the simple nature of the design, the focus of using technology as an aid to the experience instead of the main element, and to cater to the young intended users, the interface of the application is kept minimal, free of non-essential elements.

Process

Ideation

Storyboarding

Sketch

Early prototypes

Convergent

After narrowing down the idea to proceed with the rocket form, I experimented with basic structures that resemble rockets to test stability, effectiveness, and form. These early iterations show that having the front wing shapes improve the aesthetics of the rocket while maintaining stability, and having a solid bottom in the back provides the most stability. I also experimented with using curves and fold to improve the overall aesthetics of the design.

Refinement

By forgoing the front wing as being part of the main structure, I noticed improved stability, especially to accommodate the front-heavy nature of the position of the phone. Having the wings attached separately allows me to improve on the realistic aesthetic without sacrificing structural support. I also experimented with adding a closing lid to improve sanitation.

Final Design