If you were in NYC and needed the bathroom,
I attempted to design an answer that very question.
Where would you go?
1. Research
Through conducting both academic & user research, I was able to scope the current challenges and create perimeters for a solution.
"I literally got an Equinox membership just so I could have access to a bathroom every 10 blocks."
- quote from user
NYC Bathroom Dessert
one public restroom
Difficult to maintain
Inaccessible for visually impaired users
Not a unique or positive experience
There's just not enough!
86% Of women have started their period unexpectedly in public without the supplies they need.
73.3%
of users have relieved themselves somewhere that wasn't a toilet.
The issues facing public restrooms in New York City
Cities like Tokyo, are known for impressive public infrastructure.
Below are a few examples of notable public restrooms in Japan and beyond!
Meanwhile. . .
2. Design
Through design ideation, engineering input, and guidance from civic tech leaders, I explored solutions.
In NYC, there's no space. . .
Scaffolding, outdoor dining, pop up shops, you name it, the street is filled with it!
On scaffolding?
In the bike lane?
In an alley?
Above the sidewalk?
What about the road...
Manhatten has between 8-10 square miles of road, which are historically poorly utilized.
3. Final Solution
Allow me to explain how this could *actually* work.
Introducing:
No limitations of physical building space or real estate.
Zoning and financial competition limit restroom locations to public parks and government buildings- which aren't always convenient locations
Doesn't require on site maintenance, as it can drive back to a the hub.
Employees wouldn't have to travel to site locations, the autonimous restrooms could drive to a service center for a more automated process.
Why
Mobile Restrooms?
Able to move between locations as demand and foot traffic ebbs and flows.
There's an event on 42nd? Send over a few Mobiloos! Or perhaps data shows a greater need in a certain neighborhood over another.
Self funding with advertisement space.
The exterior is a blank canvas for advertisements which could subsidize the cost.
A fully autonomous,
electric,
accessible,
free,
trackable,
clean,
mobile restroom
for you,
yes you!
Cabin View
B
C
D
E
F
A
A
BO Design wall mounted changing table. Made of wood. Folds out for use
B
Linda Bui modern tampon dispenser
C
Stainless Steel anti-bacterial handrails
D
Tactile Flooring, working in tandem with an audible explanation of cabin layout.
E
Foot flush pedal, for minimal contact.
F
Waste tank, and fresh water storage access point
With LinkNYC the Mobiloo's can be located easily by all users.
