Sonic Kids Rechargeable Toothbrush

A collection of electric toothbrushes for children in collaboration with Squishmallows.

2024

Ordo x Squishmallows

Client

Year

Brief

Conceive and bring to market a range of electric toothbrushes based on Squishmallows characters. To stand out in a crowded market the product needed to include:

  • Well considered implementation of Squishmallows characters

  • USB-C charging

  • An attractive and minimal aesthetic

  • Safe and approachable for children aged 4+

Outcome

Conceived the Sonic Kids Rechargeable range and supported Ordo in bringing them to market. We generated many of the novel features which have become core differentiators. The project saw us collaborating with Jazwares LLC, the award-winning Licensee of Squishmallows, to implement their well-recognised characters and elevate the final toothbrush design.

The product is set to launch in late summer 2024 and shows good promise in drawing a considerable market share for the children’s electric toothbrush sector internationally.

Key Design Features

  • Character travel caps with antimicrobial additive

  • 3 power modes, including a new training option

  • Progress lights to encourage full brush cycles

  • Haptic sounds and songs to promote movement

  • USB-C charging

A render showing the front face of the Sonic Rechargeable Kids toothbrush which shows the LED brushing mode indicators
A render showing the rear side of the Ordo Sonic Kids Rechargeable Toothbrush showing the 3 LED lights used to indicate progress.
A render of the top of the Rechargeable Sonic Kids Toothbrush by Ordo indicating the audio-haptic feedback that is given during use every 15 seconds.

Conceiving Innovative Features to Own a Market Niche

Following the successful launch of the Sonic Lite Toothbrush and Hydro Sonic Water Flosser, we wanted to bring the same philosophy of user-focused solutions to this kid’s product. This meant considering how children brush their teeth and conceiving meaningful features which enhance their experience, build sustainable habits, and create positive associations.

This lead us to adding in novel elements such as the progress tracking lights, haptic audio feedback, and detachable character travel caps. Not only do these features help to separate this product from competition, but we believe offer parents some extra tools to incentivise better oral care behaviours for their children.

A selection of sketches showing the concept artwork for the Sonic Kids Rechargeable Brush with different characters and feature ideas.

Working with Licensed Intellectual Property

Ordo knew from the onset that they wanted to partner with an existing property that would lend the Sonic Kids Rechargeable extra character, emotional connection, and a marketing push. We were overjoyed to support in their collaboration with Squishmallows, the worlds leading plush brand and home of an almost endless catalogue of adorable personalities.

It was vital that our designs aligned with the well-recognised collection of characters. As such, we worked closely with Jazwares (owners of Squishmallows) to ensure we met their exacting standards for translating a graphical and soft plush character to a new product category and form factor.

A graphic of the three chosen characters, Cam, Samir, and Patty next to a line graphic concept of their version of the Sonic Toothbrush, designed by Nyker.
3 complete FDM 3D printed prototypes of the difference Squishmallow character brushes done in white and black on a table.
Working prototypes of the Ordo x Squishmallows kids toothbrushes on a table during a meeting with Ordo to discuss development.
An image over the shoulder in our workshop of us assessing the first production samples of the OrdoxSquishmallows Rechargeable Toothbrush.

Rapid Prototyping to Validate Designs

We benefited from our in-house prototyping workshop to quickly build 3D printed prototypes. Within hours we turned computer files into full scale models to give us unparalleled opportunities to review ideas and make modifications.

Through numerous rounds of printed toothbrushes we honed design features, ergonomics, and character application. This culminated in us producing several colour matched visual prototypes which were used for early sales and marketing ventures.

A time-lapse video of a 3D printer producing several black and white prototypes of the Squishmallows Sonic Toothbrush for Children.

Computer Modelling for Manufacture

Launching a product like the Sonic Kids Rechargeable Toothbrush to market relies heavily on our extensive experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD). We were able to build all our ideas virtually using Solidworks, the industry leading CAD package, from concept to manufacture.

All elements in these toothbrushes were meticulously developed in CAD so they were appropriate for manufacture. We build responsive, parametric, models which allow us to respond to production feedback with modifications accurately and quickly.

Front, side, and rear projections of Cam, Patty, and Samir Squishmallows characters from the CAD of the Ordo Toothrbush travel caps.
A girl smiling and holding the Patty Squishmallows Sonic Kids Rechargeable toothbrush for Ordo, designed by Nyker.

We love the challenge and excitement of a new project. Reach out today to see how our team of skilled designers can support you with your next product.