Wooshi

Overview

Wooshi is an interactive toothbrush toy designed to make brushing time fun, engaging, and easier to follow. A cute character figurine comes to life as the child picks up the toothbrush, providing a playful visual companion throughout their brushing routine.

Concept

Wooshi transforms the traditional toothbrush holder into an interactive brushing companion. When the toothbrush is removed from the holder, the character begins brushing alongside the child, creating a visual demonstration that encourages them to follow along.

Interaction Design

The character mimics a brushing motion as the child brushes their own teeth, acting as a visual cue throughout the experience. A built-in button allows the child to select either a 1- or 2-minute brushing session, with the LED indicator changing accordingly.

The combination of movement and light creates a simple, intuitive interaction that allows children to understand how long to brush and when their brushing session is complete.

Electronics & Arduino

Wooshi is powered by an Arduino-controlled circuit integrating proximity sensors, a motor, and LED lighting. The proximity sensor detects when the toothbrush is removed from its holder, triggering the character's brushing motion and beginning the interactive experience.

The motor drives the character's movement, while the LEDs communicate the selected brushing duration and provide additional visual feedback.

Form & Character

The character-driven form was designed to make Wooshi feel cute, approachable, and playful, encouraging children to interact with it as a companion rather than a functional tool.

The outer shell is constructed from clay foam and finished with acrylic paint, allowing the character to have a soft, handcrafted appearance while housing the embedded electronics within.

Experience

Wooshi turns a routine task into a shared activity between child and character. By giving children a visual partner to follow, the toy makes brushing feel less like a chore and more like play, while gradually encouraging them to take ownership of their brushing routine.

Outcome

An interactive brushing companion that combines character, movement, light, and embedded electronics to create a more enjoyable brushing experience. Wooshi demonstrates how playful interaction can transform an everyday routine while helping children develop confidence, consistency, and independence.