Encouraging better hand drying hygiene

ABSTRACT

Electric hand driers have the potential to improve sanitation when using public toilets; if used properly, electric driers can dry hands more thoroughly than towels, and users do not come into physical contact with potentially contaminated objects. But electric driers are frequently used for just a few seconds--and so the potential advantage is lost. This paper describes the prototyping and evaluation of a system intended to encourage longer hand drying times in public toilets. The challenges are: to develop hygienic interfaces for use in toilet areas; to design simple to use software that is engaging enough to be used several times a day; and to conduct usability and system acceptance tests in an environment in which users are highly sensitive about privacy issues.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.3 Language Constructs and Features

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors

Keywords:
entertainment software, hygienic interfaces, privacy issues, public restrooms