photos of prototype
image of pattern
circuit diagram(no more than 8-10 LEDs)
Night Light’s story and target user
When I was a child, I was terrified of mirrors. Even now, I still feel uncomfortable around them. Back then, I didn’t fully understand the importance of brushing my teeth, and I often used my fear of mirrors as an excuse to avoid it. Before I started changing my baby teeth, one of them had developed into a very serious cavity. My first visit to the dentist left me with a lasting, frightening memory.
Now, my relationship with dental care is completely different. I go for regular cleanings, brush and floss daily, and I hardly have dental problems anymore. That change made me realize how powerful early habits can be. I designed a tooth-shaped night light to reflect that journey. The idea is that brushing your teeth often happens right before bed, when the room starts to get dim. A soft night light that doubles as a comforting plush toy turns this daily routine into something playful and safe.
I hope that through this design, children can begin to see dental care in a positive light. Instead of fear or avoidance, they can associate teeth with warmth, comfort, and protection.
My target users are children, dental clinics, and dental schools—places where creating a more reassuring atmosphere around oral health can make a big difference.
description of the parts and materials you plan to use
- Soft fabric (minky fabric, fleece) for main part
- Translucent fabric or soft plastic film for light part
- Sewing thread
- Stuffing cotton
- Acrylic eyes
- Small light bulb and battery pack
images of three early brainstorm sketches
Excellent and brainstorm, Jay!! I love your idea. But I want to encourage you to put the LEDs inside the plush and use the fabric and stuffing to diffuse them in some way. This could still be in the eyes but the eyes should be more than LEDs sticking out because the assignment asks you to explore light diffusion. The plush you made in/after class is a great first prototype for your project!
Jay, I love the story behind your concept! I’ve seen your prototype I find the scale exaggeration, along with the material, very delightful. I believe your proposal seems very feasible, and I’m excited to see you you integrate the LEDs. Photographing this in a bathroom (next to a real toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) could be cute!
For photographing your final project, I suggest staging it in a child’s bedtime setting: soft warm lighting, a cozy bed or blanket, maybe even a bathroom counter setup showing it sitting next to a toothbrush. You could also do a time-lapse of the light turning on as the room darkens to reinforce your concept visually.
I really love your prototype and the ideas connected with it. I also agree with your personal storytelling about childhood haha. Anyway, you’re so good at sewing that you could probably finish the toothpaste and toothbrush in a week! It would also be fun to take photos with kids at a dental clinic, almost like a campaign shoot.