A whale-shaped gadget known as "Swishy," which was invented by a University of Notre Dame student and aims to help young kids brush their teeth better and longer, won third place in the annual student design competition for the International Housewares Association.
Julia Cutajar, a senior, won $1,500, and her product is being featured at the Inspired Home Show, which runs through March 19 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Swishy was designed for children between the ages of 3 and 6 so they can improve their dental hygiene and build self-sufficiency, according to the show's website.
The Swishy timed toothbrush guidance system. Image courtesy of the International Housewares Association.
Swishy's teeth are sectioned into four parts, so kids can visualize where they need to brush. Once the whale's tail is squeezed to activate the LED timer, each section lights up in succession, so kids know where and how long to brush. When all of Swishy's teeth are illuminated, children know they are done brushing their teeth. When kids aren't brushing, the whale can be used as a toothbrush holder.
Competition judges commented that Swishy was a "lovely layout, compelling solution," according to the show.
