Shown below is the picture of a tooth brush. According to you what are the 6 most important problems that users might face while using such a toothbrush? Illustrate and annotate these problems in the space provided and describe each problem in one sentence. Do not suggest solutions.
Evaluation Criteria:
Quality and diversity of your observation
Analytical skills
Communication
Show Hint
To generate a diverse range of problems, consider different user groups: a child, an elderly person, someone with sensitive gums, or a person who travels frequently. Each user will face a unique set of challenges with the same product.
Step 1: Understand the Goal - Problem Finding, Not Solving:
The key instruction is to identify six problems a user might face. You must not suggest solutions. The goal is to demonstrate your ability to observe, analyze, and empathize with a user's entire experience with a product.
Step 2: Brainstorm Problems Across the User Journey:
To ensure a diversity of observations, think about the entire lifecycle of using the toothbrush, from purchase to disposal.
Storage and Hygiene:
Problem 1: The wet bristles are exposed to airborne bathroom germs when stored in a holder. (Illustrate toothbrush in a holder with germs floating around).
Problem 2: The toothbrush has no flat base, making it difficult to stand upright on a counter. (Illustrate the toothbrush toppling over).
Usage and Ergonomics:
Problem 3: The smooth plastic handle can become slippery when wet with water and toothpaste foam. (Illustrate a hand losing its grip on the handle).
Problem 4: The uniform bristle height may not effectively clean between teeth or along the gumline. (Illustrate a cross-section of a tooth showing areas the bristles miss).
Problem 5: The size of the brush head may be too large to comfortably reach the back molars. (Illustrate the brush head awkwardly positioned in the back of a mouth).
Maintenance and Disposal:
Problem 6: There is no clear indicator to let the user know when the bristles are worn out and the brush needs replacing. (Illustrate two toothbrushes, one with new bristles and one with frayed bristles, with a question mark).
Step 3: Illustrate, Annotate, and Describe:
For each of the six problems you've identified:
Illustrate: Create a very simple sketch that visually communicates the problem. Stick figures, diagrams, and arrows are effective.
Annotate: Use labels or callouts on your illustration to highlight the specific issue.
Describe: Write a single, concise sentence that clearly states the problem. For example: "The lack of a protective cap exposes the bristles to contamination during travel."
