Animal loving student nominated as finalist in national design competition

A Coventry University student has had her product design shortlisted as part of the 2016 Design Innovation in Plastics (DIP) finals, along with six other students from UK universities.

Fourth year design student, Paige Hobday, earned her spot in the DIP finals with her ingenious dog-friendly design which combines the playfulness of a chew toy and the added bonus of a working toothbrush.

The DIP competition criteria specified each finalist’s design would have to improve animal wellbeing in some way, and so many designs were submitted the competition had to increase the number of finalists they accepted, taking it up to seven.  

The cleverly named, Twoof Brush Ball, is the only finalist design to focus on dental hygiene, yet still faces stiff competition from an all in one grooming product, a ramp for injured/disabled pets and an animal medication dispenser.

Speaking about her design, Paige, said:

As someone whose dog suffers from dental problems, I thought it best to design a ball which incorporates a toothbrush, gum massagers and tongue cleaning dimples. The design eliminates the struggle experienced by owners trying to brush their dog’s teeth, as well as any anxieties the process may cause for the animals themselves.”

Established In 2001 by the Institute of Materials Minerals and Mining (IOM3), the DIP competition offers a £1000 cash prize, as well as a week working with the competition’s headline sponsor, Covestro, at their German headquarters. Judging for the competition takes place on the 20^th May and Paige will be hoping her product is the design that takes the 2016 DIP finalist award, booking her a ticket to Germany in the process. 

Paige working on her design in studio.

For further information, please contact James Stride, PR Assistant, Coventry University, on +44 (0)24 7765 4562 or email James.Stride@coventry.ac.uk. 

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