title: Ergonomic audit of a specially engineered sonic powered toothbrush with unique sensing and control technologies, the Sonicare Flexcare, and the Oral-B Smart Series 5000.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The presence of ergonomic features can impact the marketplace success of a new product. Metaphase Design Group, Inc., in partnership with the Colgate-Palmolive Company, conducted an ergonomic audit on three electric toothbrushes: a specially engineered sonic powered toothbrush with unique sensing and control technologies, the Sonicare FlexCare, and the Oral-B Smart Series 5000.
  
  
  METHODS
  The ergonomic audit was conducted by Metaphase Design Groups's ergonomic and usability experts. Two experts used the toothbrushes over a one-week period and assessed the performance of each brush against a set of ergonomic principles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The three toothbrushes have some solid ergonomic features. They each have adequate grip zones, provide grip security with elastomeric materials, and provide easy access to the on/off button. The most distinctive feature is the longitudinal shape of the handle of the specially engineered sonic powered toothbrush with unique sensing and control technologies. This handle angles downward at the top end and provides additional advantages through improved grip security and visibility. Yet all three toothbrushes have different opportunities for improvement. The Sonicare Flex Care toothbrush has a cluttered and complicated user interface that is difficult to read. The disadvantages of the Oral-B Smart Series 5000 toothbrush are related to its physical dimensions and audible feedback.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The specially engineered sonic powered toothbrush with unique sensing afid control technologies is surprising to use with its changes in speeds, brush movements, and resulting changes in audible feedback.
authors: Metaphase Design Group, Inc. St. Louis, MO, USA.
authors: Gail
authors: G
authors: Hunter
authors: Laurie
authors: L
authors: Burns
authors: Brian
authors: B
authors: Bone
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Mintel
authors: Eduardo
authors: E
authors: Jimenez
mesh_terms: D055615:Electrical Equipment and Supplies; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000379:methods*; D056228:Feedback, Sensory / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000502:physiology; D006225:Hand / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D013499:Surface Properties; D013674:Technology, Dental / Q000295:instrumentation; D013933:Thumb / Q000502:physiology; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation*