Slime Farm
An IoT device to encourage hand washing habits for kids
Slime Farm is a connected physical–digital system where a faucet-mounted slime character responds to handwashing in real time.
Washing data syncs to a caregiver app, turning hygiene into a shared, playful routine that supports habit building through interaction rather than enforcement.
CATEROGY:
YEAR:
2025
EXPERIENCE:
IoT System Design / Embedded Firmware / Mobile App UX / API & Data Logic / Physical Prototyping
key insights.
research.
kids rush and skip hand washing
My sister often rush through or skip proper handwashing due to low engagement, while most existing tools emphasize timing and compliance over motivation and understanding.
Pain Points
Low engagement:
Handwashing feels boring and is often rushed or skipped.
Caregiver fatigue:
Repeated reminders and supervision create friction.
Compliance focused tools:
Timers and alerts enforce behavior without building understanding.
Design Framework
Based on the identified tensions between engagement, learning, and caregiver anxiety, Slime Farm was guided by three core criteria that informed all design decisions.
System concept
A closed loop system that links behavior, feedback, and progress.
design engineer.
interaction logic
Tested motion sensing and duration tracking to link handwashing activity to real time light feedback.
Immediate visual response reinforces cause and effect rather than relying on reminders or timers.
concept development
Explored character proportions and response behaviors to understand what would feel engaging for children.
The final form uses soft, rounded geometry and subtle facial cues to encourage interaction without overstimulation.
internal architecture
Arranged sensors, LEDs, and control boards to preserve the character form while ensuring stable performance and consistent light diffusion.
The internal layout balances spatial constraints with functional reliability.
structural integration
Integrated sensors, wiring, and mounting into a sealed enclosure suitable for wet environments.
Designed for durability and repeated daily use.
iteration with constraints
Initial semi transparent prints failed to diffuse light evenly.
Revised the enclosure to introduce controlled light pathways while maintaining structural integrity and clarity of feedback.
iot system.
IoT-Enabled Hygiene System
A closed loop system connecting physical behavior with digital reinforcement.
wash classification
Classifies wash duration into behavior states and triggers real time feedback with light indication.
• Dirty Slime: under 20 seconds
• Healthy Slime: 20 to 40 seconds
• Overwash Slime: over 40 seconds
Dashboard Analytics
A parent-facing dashboard summarizes hygiene activity across the users.
Individual user views allow caregivers to interpret behavioral patterns without interrupting the child’s experience.
Reward System & Gamification
Each completed wash generates a new slime and accumulates digital coins.
The system reinforces consistency through collection and progression rather than corrective feedback.
Multi-User System
The platform supports multiple child profiles within one household. Each profile maintains its own wash history, slime collection, and statistics.
Activity Logging
Each wash event is transmitted to the backend and instantly reflected in the app.
Every slime represents a logged interaction.
