By Eddie Lopez.
Thursday, 9. November 2006, 23:06:23
everyday things, children, Good Design
I just took my 5 year old kid to the dentist yesterday. They asked "his teeth are in good shape.. why?" I admitted that I often stand hovering over him and making sure he brushes his chops if I'm not in there doing the job myself. I know, I know, over protective and nurturing parent, he needs to do it himself, etc etc.. I hear you, that's why I compensate for that by making him get a job.
...anyway, check this post out on the Ergonomenon site on
Dental Care for Kids. It's a toothbrush that plays music while you brush encouraging kids to brush the whole time the song plays by sending the music through
your very skull! (that statement is for dramatic effect only). Mix that together with this
mouthwash and you've got all the trappings of a nice experience for children.
By Eddie Lopez.
Tuesday, 2. May 2006, 21:43:09
usability, everyday things, design, children
...
Training wheels are counter intuitive to learning to ride a bike. They provide a false sense of balance. Enter: the
GyroBike:
How it works
The GyroBike ‘senses’ unbalanced riding and steers the bike in the correct direction for stability. It provides high speed stability at startup speeds - both in straight riding and in turning motion.
I'm not sure how it will steer the bike in the correct direction if the rider's instincts prevent it from turning, but most newbies will probably just follow the direction of the bike anyway.
Anyway, kudos for actually helping kids *learn* about balance.