• [from steve_portigal] Toepener — Hands Free Solution – [While this smacks slightly of "gadget" I like the idea of simple improvements to everyday activities based on a) shifting social norms and b) observed behaviors. Text from related news article] The Toepener is a pedal designed to open a public washroom’s door with one’s foot rather than having to touch the door handle. It is the brainchild of Max Arndt, a student at the Carson School of Management. Arndt and his classmates were asked in the Entrepreneurship in Action class to come up with ideas for a new business product or service. Arndt, 22, came up with the Toepener. He hated the idea of opening a public restroom door after he’d washed his hands. It was such a simple idea but he figured it would have tremendous draw. He was right. His class was equally enthusiastic and it was chosen as the product the entrepreneurship class would attempt to market. The product was launched in mid-January. Arndt said the company has sold close to 100 toepeners, which go for $50 each.

Tags: bathroom, door, hygiene, opening, post-design, quickies, touchless

4 Responses to “ChittahChattah Quickies”

This is not a new idea stepnpull has been around since 2007 same concept

Comment by mike 02.10.11 @ 8:06 am





Sure enough – there are at least two of these out there. The Stepnpull and Toepener don’t differ much in concept but they do in their roots and execution of the design.

Stepnpull – from a more grass-roots specific observation of the problem: “In 2007, Ron Ely, Kelly Coddington and Mike Sewell not only took notice, they decided to find a cost effective way around the paper towel dilemma.” Straightforward, industrial-feel to the design.

Toepener – from a broader design point-of-view and business-school process: “Forge, LLC was formed in 2010 by group of students at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management with the intent of developing simple solutions for everyday problems. We launched our first product, the Toepener, in January 2011 and have since witnessed an immense amount of interest in the idea.” Toepener is even involved with social media – they have a Facebook page and a blog! And a cheeky video series – Life Before Toepener and a motto “Use Your Head: Use Your Foot”

Comment by Julie Norvaisas 02.10.11 @ 10:48 am





I have tried the StepNpull though at a restaurant in Minneapolis and it is way too hard to open! One of the waitresses there is a friend of mine and says she hates the design. Hopefully the Toepener is better, because this idea is awesome!

Comment by Elise 02.15.11 @ 9:23 am




[...] in a similar vein, just the other day, I blogged about a device that would let you open a bathroom door with your toe. Immediately a competitor jumped in to defend his product as the “original” (and while [...]

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