The emergence of new wireless communication infrastructure makes it possible to make connected devices. Whereas a toaster and a fridge have very little in common to talk about, it makes sense to connect other types of devices. By connecting soap (and gel) dispensers into networked systems, the soap dispenser can, in addition to its primary function, be used as a communication, a motivation and a communication tool to increase hand hygiene (only 5-10% of the population washes their hands according to best practice). The project will, using state-of-the-art nudging and motivation techniques, create a solution and test that on primary end-users in Denmark and Taiwan. The primary focus is on validating if it is possible to create meaningful peer-to-peer networks among elderlies with a focus on hand hygiene. The secondary focus is that the connected devices will create a lot of data on the actual use and impact of the deployed products which can satisfy the data needs of secondary end-users (e.g., caretakers and municipalities).
Objectives:
It is notoriously difficult to build and maintain a culture around correct hand hygiene. This project will test the idea of combining a mundane but daily used product such as an automatic soap and gel dispenser with social interaction and stimulation. The final solution will improve the level of correct hand hygiene of elderly and their caregivers and at the same time both reduce the feeling of loneliness and social exclusion and increase the sense of purpose and usefulness. Additionally, the solution will also be able to generate on-site data on the use and effectiveness of the solution.
Expected results & Impact:
The project will validate the concept by tests in Denmark and Taiwan. There might be significant different cultural ways to engage users in the two countries and they will be taken into account. The use of the deployed devices will be measured and feedback from all types of stakeholders and end-users will be collected and evaluated. It is estimated that the product can reach market 18-24 month after the first validation of the prototypes. Substantial time will be spent on getting the social aspect of the system right as this will create “stickiness” with respect to the use of the system and create user-satisfaction.
- Project name: SOAPTIMIST – the socially connected soap/gel dispenser
- Website: https://soaptimist.dk
- Coordinator: Heveas ApS
- Duration: 9 months
- Starting Date: 01/04/2022
- Total budget: € 322,484
- Public contribution: € 212,312
Contact
Soren Jensen,
E.: info@heveas.com,
T.: +45 3699 1364
