As a designer, I believe good design should be as simple and purposeful as possible—solving the problem at hand without unnecessary complexity. My approach is grounded in practicality rather than pure artistic expression. I have always been more drawn to creating solutions that make a real, tangible difference. I enjoy tackling problems through logic, testing, and refinement, ensuring that every design decision contributes to improving functionality and user experience. I have a strong passion for digital design and CAD modelling, which form the foundation of my creative process. Through these tools, I can visualise, iterate, and refine ideas efficiently. 3D printing plays a key role in my workflow, allowing me to prototype concepts quickly, evaluate design choices, and explore new materials or replicate manufacturing methods.

Ethan Powell

 

This project focuses on improving oral care for patients in hospitals and aged-care facilities who cannot maintain oral hygiene independently. Currently, foam-tipped oral swabs are widely used for this purpose, but they present major safety and hygiene concerns. The foam can detach and cause choking hazards, and because they are single-use, they create significant medical waste. The redesigned oral mouth cleanser offers a safer, reusable, and more effective alternative. It features a durable handle with an integrated light that helps caregivers see clearly inside the patient’s mouth, and a soft silicone cleaning head that gently cleans oral surfaces without risk of detachment. The cleaning head is be replaced periodically similar to a toothbrush, while the handle is designed to be disinfected and reused for up to several years. Extensive prototyping and ergonomic testing informed the design to ensure comfort, safety, and ease of use across a wide range of users. By combining practical functionality, user-centred design, and sustainability, this project provides a modern solution that supports safer oral hygiene practices in healthcare environments and improves both patient wellbeing and caregiver confidence.