The concept is a product-service system that delivers themed masks to kindergartens. The themes make it more fun for the children to wear the masks, and the PSS system is a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to disposable masks. Additionally, the linings and bands of the masks are color-coded and correspond to different times of the day. This color-coding makes it easier for the teacher to manage the change of masks, as they can easily identify which children have changed masks when needed and which have not.
The concept was developed using a user-centered approach and continuous user-involvement with both children and teachers.
Challenges
1. Kids do not understand why they should wear masks
a. Kids do not know why they should not touch the masks
b. It is not fun to wear masks
c. Kids do not want to wear the masks for longer periods of time
d. Kids do not understand which way to put on masks
2. It is difficult to teachers to manage the children's use of masks
a. Kids have different time schedules, which makes it difficult to keep
track of who has and has not changed their masks
track of who has and has not changed their masks
b. It is difficult to get the parents to provide masks for their children
c. It is difficult to store the children's spare masks in a safe way
3. Masks needs to be changed multiple times throughout the day
4. It is expensive and unsustainable to use disposable masks for the
children
children
a. 3 DKK per mask
b. 4 masks per child per day
c. 100 children at the kindergarten
d. This results in an expense of 24,000 DKK per month
Solution Concept
The concept consists of three parts:
Part 1 includes adding themes to the masks such as superheroes, Disney, animals, etc. By adding themes to the masks, it increases the interest of the children and makes it more fun for the children to wear the masks. Additionally, by having print on the outside of the masks, it helps guide the children to put on the mask the correct way.
Part 2 includes adding four different colors to the lining and bands of the masks. Each color will then correspond to each time period during the day. This will allow the teachers to easily keep track of which children have changed their masks.
Part 3 includes setting up the system as a product-service system. This way the kindergartens can ensure proper disinfection of the masks. Additionally, this presents the opportunity for changing themes from week to week in order to maintain the interest of the children. By establishing this product-service system, the costs are reduces compared to buying disposable masks and the solution is a more sustainable alternative.
