TOBBE
About the project
People all over the world enjoy the wellness experience of bathing. However, not everyone has the same soothing experience. A large percentage of people with an intellectual disability (ID) are required to wear a life-jacket whilst taking a bath. These floatation devices are, rightly so, designed with safety first, with drowning prevention as the number one priority. But what if they would be designed with comfort as well?
Commissioned by ORO, a healthcare institution serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, Tobbe is designed to enhance the bathing wellness experience for their residents. Consequently, Tobbe represents an advancement from the
Commissioned by ORO, a healthcare institution serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, Tobbe is designed to enhance the bathing wellness experience for their residents. Consequently, Tobbe represents an advancement from the conventional neck-collar flotation devices that are currently in use. Given the unique responsibility of designing for this vulnerable target group, Tobbe’s development integrated diverse perspectives to achieve a comprehensive understanding for both the target user and the caregiver. As a result, in addition to meeting essential safety regulations, Tobbe’s development focused on enhancing form, texture, sensory inclusion, as well as fostering a sense of ownership through the incorporation of a name tag. Furthermore, the caregiver’s involvement was integrated into the user journey, alongside efficiency practices such as easily removing Tobbe’s cover with a zipper for washing purposes.
conventional neck-collar flotation devices that are currently in use. Given the unique responsibility of designing for this vulnerable target group, Tobbe’s development integrated diverse perspectives to achieve a comprehensive understanding for both the target user as the caregiver. As a result, in addition to meeting essential safety regulations, Tobbe’s development focused on enhancing form, texture, sensory inclusion, as well as fostering a sense of ownership through the incorporation of a name tag. Furthermore, the caregiver’s involvement was integrated into the user journey, alongside efficiency practices such as easily removing Tobbe’s cover with a zipper for washing purposes.
PROJECT
Master 1.1 | Design Project
CLIENT
ORO
COACH
Jim Steenbakkers
YEAR
Inclusive
Design &
Thoughtful Technology
| 2023
What is the significance of the name Tobbe?
The name ‘Tobbe’ originates from an antiquated Dutch term for ‘bathtub’
