Public Restroom Refill Dispenser
Restocking public restroom supplies shouldn’t be a guessing game for custodial teams, nor should users encounter empty dispensers mid-use. By integrating modular design, clear visual cues, and intuitive refill tracking, this system makes maintenance faster, more accurate, and more hygienic. AI-assisted research and hands-on user insights guided the creation of a dispenser that supports both operational efficiency and user satisfaction, reducing waste and improving the overall restroom experience.
The Challenge
How might we simplify and streamline soap, sanitizer, and paper product refills in public restrooms? The solution needed to reduce overfilling, minimize downtime, and provide custodial teams with clear, actionable signals, all while maintaining a clean and hygienic experience for users.
The Insight
Custodial teams spend significant time checking multiple dispensers, often overfilling to avoid running out, while users frequently encounter empty or messy stations. A unified approach that combines refill indicators, modular cassettes, and consistent design across product types could reduce labor, improve hygiene, and enhance user trust.
The Problem
Existing dispensers lack standardized visual cues and modularity. Soap, sanitizer, and paper towel units often require separate handling procedures, leading to inconsistent fill levels, spills, and wasted product. Users are frustrated by empty stations, while staff waste time and supplies trying to anticipate demand without reliable indicators.
Concept Development
Through iterative prototyping and AI-assisted ideation, multiple configurations were tested for usability, efficiency, and hygiene. The final concept uses modular refill cassettes compatible across soap, sanitizer, and paper dispensers. Front-facing visual indicators signal refill needs clearly, reducing guesswork and overfilling. Materials and mechanisms were evaluated for durability, tamper resistance, and ease of cleaning, while standardized interfaces ensure quick installation and replacement across different restroom types.
Solution & Outcome
The resulting system combines universal refill cassettes with front-facing indicator windows, making supply levels immediately visible to custodial teams. Modular design allows staff to quickly swap units without spills, while consistent visual cues help prevent downtime and reduce waste. Durable materials and easy-to-clean surfaces ensure long-term reliability, and the unified approach improves both operational efficiency and user satisfaction. By simplifying maintenance and enhancing visibility, this solution delivers cleaner, more reliable public restrooms with less labor and less waste.
