Promoting Hygiene and Safe Drinking Water across Africa and Asia

Todd A. Ward, PhD, BCBA-D

bSci21Media, LLC

Behavioral science and industrial design have merged to improve healthy behavior in schools across Africa and Asia.  Artefact, an industrial design firm, and Splash, an international development organization, partnered to “craft unique drinking and hand washing stations that are both engaging for children and accessible to local communities” according to Core77.  Specifically, the stations help promote drinking clean water and to reduce disease transmission by separating drinking and hand washing behaviors.

Splash aims to deliver the technology to thousands of schools as part of Project WASH in Schools for Everyone over the next five years.  Here’s how they work:

Facilitates Imitation: The triangular design of the stations help facilitate interaction and imitation among children as they use the stations.

Visual Prompts: The stations are illustrated with brightly colored examples of how to properly use each.  Moreover the stations for hand washing are shallow to prevent drinking, while the stations for drinking are deep to allow bottles.

Friendly Design: The stations’ short height and rounded corners are kid friendly.  Moreover, installation requires no special tools or skills.

To read more about the design, and its cultural influences, be sure to check out Artefact, Splash, and the original article by Core77.  You can also check out UNICEFs larger vision tied to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene here.

What has been your experience promoting healthy habits and hygiene?  Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to subscribe to bSci21 via email to receive the latest articles directly to your inbox!

Todd A. Ward, PhD, BCBA-D is a science writer, social philosopher, behavioral systems analyst, and the President and Founder of bSci21Media, LLC, which aims to connect behavioral science to the world in an engaging, non-academic way.  Dr. Ward received his PhD in behavior analysis from the University of Nevada, Reno under Dr. Ramona Houmanfar.  He has served as a Guest Associate Editor of the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, and as an Editorial Board member of Behavior and Social Issues.  His publications follow a theme of behavioral systems analysis, organizational performance, theory & philosophy, and language & cognition.  He has also provided ABA services to children and adults with various developmental disabilities in day centers, in-home, residential, and school settings, and previously served as Faculty Director of Behavior Analysis Online at the University of North Texas.  Dr. Ward can be reached at [email protected]