USC MSSE Project

Hardline Soap

INTRODUCTION:

Hardline Soap is a specially-formulated cleanser that removes any carcinogenic toxins from the user’s body – both skin and hair. Once the soap comes into contact with a toxin on a contaminated area, the foam will instantly change its color from white to green. After the area is completely free of contaminants, the foam will not change color but appear in its original shade – white, thus creating peace of mind for the user to see that they have successfully removed the carcinogens from their skin and know that their loved ones will also be protected from carcinogen exposure. The hypoallergenic, gentle and hydrating elements will protect the user’s skin against dryness.

Addressing the Specific Needs of Target Users:

Hardline Soap addresses the needs of the firefighters who come in contact with harmful carcinogenic materials. Some of the carcinogens we would like to remove from the skin are: formaldehyde, asbestos, and plastic residuals – materials firefighters come in contact with on a regular basis. With the asset of frequent hand-washing and shower time upon returning to the fire station after a fire, Hardline Soap can be used as part of an established routine for firefighters. Once Hardline foam soap no longer changes color during use, firefighters will have peace of mind knowing they have effectively removed carcinogens from their skin. Also, because we are aware that firefighters may not have access to water while they are out fighting fires, we want to provide an option to get clean on the go, with Hardline cleansing towel wipes. The towel wipes also change color when they come in contact with carcinogenic toxins, and come in a large tub that can easily be installed in the apparatus for ease of use. As both Hardline products closely work as a system, our goal and mission is to ensure that our target user removes harmful toxins from their skin and does not take the toxins home to their family and loved ones.

CULTURAL RATIONALE

We observed the LAFD firefighters to be a dynamic group of men from various economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. The LAFD is comprised of 90% men, and in our interviewing time we never had the opportunity to meet with a female firefighter. The men we met had a great sense of humor, live by routine, and are family oriented.

Fire station culture is very structured. It is not unlike being on a professional sports team or a military unit. They must keep themselves in top physical shape to do their job. Working out is very important. Likewise, training and practice are a huge part of the day to day life. A firefighter trains for “game day” which is fighting a fire. Almost every task has a procedure. Captain Backstrom described routine as being part of who you are, and even extends to how you are at home. For example, at his home, he never allowed a “mess” in the house for more than an hour when his kids were young. He expressed an awareness that this was not normal, but was who he was. Thus, we realized that it is unlikely for a firefighter to do something that does not already fit their routine. This is why it was so important for us to utilize shower time.

Although firefighters generally accept their jobs as being hazardous and dirty, they are proud about being clean. They enjoy and want to be clean; one firefighter stated, “I would bathe in bleach if I could.” This desire for cleanliness extends to their surroundings as well. Everything in the station has its place and is put away. Floors and surfaces are cleaned daily. Kitchens are spotless. Many of the men we spoke to self-described as being “type A” personalities. Our product, a soap that ensures complete removal of carcinogens leaving the user clean, fits the lifestyle of the firefighter.

By the very nature of their job, firefighters put others before themselves. This is especially true when it comes to their families. The majority of firefighters we spoke to brought up vacation and time off to be with the family as one of the best parts of their job. They go out of their way to leave all physical and emotional aspects of the job at the station before they go home. They leave everything from their shoes to their jackets at the station. If they do have to take anything home, they leave it in a bag in the garage. Our product helps the firefighter continue this effort by making sure he is able to remove all the carcinogens off his skin and is not bringing them home to his family.

Hardline Team: Veronica Alday, Lina Kim, Diana Miranda, Eleni Polakoff

My Responsibilities: 

• User Research

• Data Analysis

• Report Writing

• Presenting & Pitching

• Illustration and Design for prototype and presentation deck