Hi, my name is Chengbo Zhang. I am an industrial designer. I enjoy model making, sketching and hands-on experimentation. I continuously refine my work based on feedback. I believe the true purpose of design is to make life more convenient and to respond to real user needs. I am passionate about creating human-centred designs that balance functionality, inclusivity, and sustainability. My project name is CleanStep, it is a foot-operated hand-washing station.To help people in Rwanda improve their handwashing hygiene and access to clean, safe washing facilities.
Target users
CleanStep is designed for families living in low-income areas of Rwanda. Because water is scarce and handwashing facilities are often too expensive, fewer than five percent of households have basic access to one. CleanStep is easy to make and saves water, making it something every family can use in their daily life.
Ideation Sketch
This is an ideation sketch. From left to right, it shows the development of the concept, along with several alternative ideas explored during the process.
Soap shaver
The soap shaver is a soap dispenser I designed myself. In daily life, people usually don’t rinse the soap after using it, which allows bacteria to remain on the surface and cause secondary infection. By rotating the soap shaver, users can grind the soap into small flakes without touching it directly, effectively reducing the risk of contamination. At the same time, solid soap is much cheaper than liquid soap, which helps significantly lower overall cost.
Foot pump
CleanStep uses a foot-operated water pump, which effectively prevents secondary contact with the tap and reduces the risk of infection, enhancing overall hygiene and safety.
Adjustable height
To ensure accessibility for users of different ages, CleanStep offers two height options for comfortable use.
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