A study on emotionally engaging toothbrush design for children: An empirical approach based on child psychology and...

This study investigates the emotional engagement of children aged 3-12 with toothbrush color design from a psychological perspective, focusing on three distinct age groups: 3-5 years, 6-8 years, and 9-12 years. While previous research has primarily concentrated on the physical attributes of toothbrushes, this study employs a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews and observations, to analyze children's emotional responses and preferences for various toothbrush designs across different age groups. The findings reveal significant age-related differences in emotional engagement; younger children tend to prefer bright colors and playful shapes, whereas older children prioritize functionality. Additionally tactile experience and interactivity are found to play crucial roles in enhancing children's enjoyment and motivation for toothbrushing. Furthermore, the study explores the relationship between toothbrush design and children's oral health behavior, proposing an emotionally engaging toothbrush design framework that considers children's psychological needs across different age groups. This framework offers practical guidelines for designers to create toothbrushes that enhance children's brushing experience and contribute to their oral health. The study highlights the importance of emotional engagement in designing for children and offers new insights into creating user-centered products that cater to children's developmental needs, with implications for promoting children's oral health through emotionally engaging design.