Fern Bell-Bowers
Brush Up
A Mobile Brushing Buddy
My project explored how design can respond to Aotearoa’s growing oral health crisis by engaging tamariki with accessible and effective oral care education. Having grown up in Te Tai Tokerau, where access to dental care is limited and decay rates are among the highest in the country, I became aware of the systemic barriers that prevent many from receiving adequate preventative care. This context informed my aim to design a solution that encourages better oral health habits through play and accessibility.
Guided by the question, 'How might a gamified educational app foster engagement and accessibility to support the prevention of dental decay among tamariki aged 5–18?', I developed Brush Up, a mobile app that turns brushing and learning into an interactive experience. Using a practice-led research approach, I drew on insights from health professionals, national statistics, and existing campaigns to identify communication gaps.
The design integrates playful interaction, character-based learning, brushing timers, and rewards to motivate consistency and confidence. Brush Up demonstrates how design can promote positive behavioural change, reframing oral care from a routine task into an empowering, culturally relevant experience for young people across Aotearoa.
