Smart toothbrush proof of concept (POC)
We partnered with a leading dental insurance company to explore an innovative oral health initiative inspired by the success of wearables in health insurance. Using our Clear Path Forward workshop method, we worked collaboratively with stakeholders to align on objectives, identify key challenges, and set a strategic direction for the project.
The goal was to develop a smart toothbrush Proof of Concept (POC) that could raise awareness about oral care, incentivize better habits through a rewards system, and position the company as an innovator in the dental insurance space. Over eight (8) weeks, our team conducted rapid research, analyzed market-leading smart toothbrushes, and created a high-level concept to validate early ideas and inform the path toward a minimum viable product (MVP).
Focus areas:
- Stakeholder and user research
- Business context and market analysis
- Experience design and POC development
- Technical exploration
- Client collaboration
Completed: Apr 2022
The challenge
The primary challenge was bridging the gap between the client’s aspirational goal of using smart toothbrush technology to promote oral health and the practical, market-ready execution of a proof of concept. This required balancing user needs, technological feasibility, and the business case while navigating evolving client priorities and tight project timelines.
Our process
Phase 1: Clear Path Forward workshops
Initiated the engagement with a series of workshops to align stakeholders, define objectives, and establish the business context. Activities like ecosystem mapping and journey prioritization ensured a shared understanding of goals.
Phase 2: User and stakeholder research
Conducted interviews with 10 stakeholders, 7 potential customers, 5 dental professionals, and 1 HR expert to understand the perspectives of users, buyers, and industry leaders.
Phase 3: Technology exploration
Analyzed top-performing smart toothbrushes and prototyped features using a Nordic nRF52840 SoC device with custom firmware to replicate market leaders and test concepts.
Phase 4: Experience design
Developed initial app screens, gamification concepts, and a high-level roadmap to visualize the end-user journey and engagement strategies.
Phase 5: Iterative collaboration
Leveraged tools like Miro to ensure smooth, synchronous, and asynchronous collaboration across the global, cross-functional team.
Key insights
Dental health paradox
While most Americans view oral health as critical, their actions—like insufficient brushing time and inconsistent dentist visits—highlight a significant intention vs. action gap
Intention vs. action gap
Many users plan to prioritize dental care but fail to follow through, showcasing a behavioral challenge that smart technology and gamification could address
Holistic care approach
Optimal dental health requires more than clinical interventions. Empowering users to actively manage their oral health through engaging tools and education is critical.
Impact
Strategic clarity
Provided the client with actionable insights, user needs, and a high-level roadmap to inform future decisions about MVP development
POC deliverables
Delivered a fully conceptualized proof of concept, including app screens, gamification strategies, and information architecture, positioning the client as an innovator in their field
Market validation
Identified potential opportunities and challenges, helping the client assess whether to pursue further investment in this initiative
Flexibility in shifting priorities
Despite the client ultimately deprioritizing the initiative due to market changes, the project showcased the importance of adaptability in navigating client relationships and ensuring that work remains valuable regardless of business shifts
Design concepts
POC features, screens, design library
Additional work
Gamification approach, high level roadmap, and information architecture for the app screens
All together
This demonstrates the power of combining design thinking, rapid research, and technical exploration to tackle complex challenges and innovate within emerging markets. While the client ultimately shifted their priorities, the work delivered provided strategic clarity, actionable insights, and a strong foundation for future initiatives. The experience underscores the importance of flexibility and collaboration in delivering impactful solutions, even in the face of changing business dynamics.
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How might we begin?
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