From the World Health Organization, we learn that WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) are crucial to human health. In fact, close to a million people die each year as a result of lack of water, bad sanitation and poor hygiene. More than half of these are related to diarrhea from poor sanitation.
In 2001, attention was drawn to the importance of sanitation in the world, with the creation of UN World Toilet Day and the inauguration of World Toilet Summit. The World Toilet Organization had identified that a clean and safe toilet would ensure an individual’s hygiene and health — yet today 60 percent of the world’s population do not benefit from access to a proper toilet according to the UNICEF. More than half of the world’s population!
At the heart of our work stands the toilet
At Wellspect, we have identified the UN Global Goals 6: Clean water and sanitation, and 10: Reduced inequalities, as two of the most important goals to drive our progress. We are not ashamed to reveal that at the heart of the global marketing communication department’s offices stands a toilet – which is at the center of our users’ everyday life and worries.
We want to keep in mind that what might be easily accessible to some, is a big challenge to others. And while going to the toilet is the most natural undertaking in the world if you’re able to, it can be fraught with difficulty if you don’t have access or a physical disadvantage when accessing one.
Understanding the user’s situation
When developing LoFric Elle, the entire product development process from start to finished product was performed in collaboration with more than 100 users and healthcare professionals for the evaluation of functionality and design. And a lot of time was actually spent on the toilet seat to discuss sitting positions, handling and accessibility.
The toilet was with us in the boardroom when the LoFric Elle project was presented to the Wellspect management. It is still often used at congresses and events when we demonstrate the product. It’s at the center of what we do, it’s as simple as that.
Susanne Lindholm, Global Product Manager, Wellspect
Most of the participants in this project were women – as it is of course easier to understand a female user's situation if you are a woman yourself. At Wellspect, it is all about putting yourself in our user’s shoes – or on their toilet seats! We’re proud to do everything we can to make going to the toilet an easy matter – for everyone!
Want to learn more:
https://www.unicef.org/stories/7-fast-facts-about-toilets
