Toothbrush
Designed for: Mentadent
Role: Senior Designer
Final designs were developed in collaboration with Human Factor’s design team
Product description: The Mentadent toothbrush introduced in 1995, combined use of co-molded santoprene and clear acrylic.
The psychology behind this design is to convey the sensation of using a dentist’s instrument while brushing your teeth. As an introductory product for Mentadent, the combination of materials and configuration of the handle made it unique and versatile at the time. Mentadent, known for its toothpaste brand, took a commanding position within the toothbrush industry amongst rival Colgate and Aquafresh brands.
I contributed primarily to the design development and ergonomics of the brush’s handle including material selection as indicated on a US patent.
The process included user observation (ethnographic research) to capture insight into the design of the brush’s bristle pattern and handle. The results indicated that each user handled their brushes differently. Therefore a universal solution was required to reduce potential issues such as gum recession while brushing. Key aspects of the handle’s shape included a round, bulged center section where the user’s thumb and index finger can balance the handle as it rolls to conform to the surface of your teeth.
Completive product analysis and material research, as well as, functional mock-up evaluations were also a part of the process.
The Mentadent toothbrush was honored at the Cooper Hewitt / Smithsonian Museum in 1997 for its ergonomic achievement.
Photography by: Chris Vaccaro Photography