Project number
26028
Organization
Whisper Wild
Offering
ENGR498-F2025-S2026
This project will benefit neurodiverse children and families struggling with fear-based grooming routines, helping turn hygiene tasks into emotionally positive, independent moments. It supports UArizona’s mission in healthcare innovation, neurodiverse inclusion, and real-world design for underserved populations.
Background and Need: Whisper Wild was created in response to a traumatic haircut experience suffered by a young boy named Luke during a sensory meltdown. His story is one of many that demonstrate how traditional grooming tools can overwhelm and harm children with autism or sensory processing disorders. These children often experience grooming tasks — like nail trimming or haircuts — as physically painful or emotionally threatening events due to hyper-sensitivities to noise, touch, and unpredictability. These are not small inconveniences; they are major barriers to safety, hygiene, and dignity. Whisper Wild provides an emotionally safe and sensory-informed alternative through ergonomic, animal-themed grooming tools that incorporate soft materials, lights, sounds, and tactile cues to guide participation and reduce fear.
Project Description: The goal is to design, prototype, and refine two sensory-safe grooming products for children ages 3–10:
1. Whisper Wild Critter Clippers – Manual, animal-shaped nail trimmers featuring rounded PDV-coated ceramic blades, sensory feedback (LED eyes and sounds), and a nail detection sensor. A silicone-textured outer shell improves grip and sensory comfort. Swappable cradle inserts support both finger and toe trimming with a length range of 1.02.0 mm. A light-up button and LED feedback help children know when the clipper is properly positioned. A nail catcher is built into the belly for hygienic cleanup.
2. Whisper Wild Tiny Tame Buzzers– Electric hair trimmers using an internal cradle system to isolate vibration and reduce auditory overstimulation. They include low-noise motors, animal-inspired ergonomic casing, LED visual cues, and calming sound modules. Swappable comb guards support different hair lengths. These are USB-C rechargeable and waterproofed for home use.
***This project is conducting remote interviews. Please visit https://bit.ly/Whisper26028 to schedule a time to speak to the sponsor***
Background and Need: Whisper Wild was created in response to a traumatic haircut experience suffered by a young boy named Luke during a sensory meltdown. His story is one of many that demonstrate how traditional grooming tools can overwhelm and harm children with autism or sensory processing disorders. These children often experience grooming tasks — like nail trimming or haircuts — as physically painful or emotionally threatening events due to hyper-sensitivities to noise, touch, and unpredictability. These are not small inconveniences; they are major barriers to safety, hygiene, and dignity. Whisper Wild provides an emotionally safe and sensory-informed alternative through ergonomic, animal-themed grooming tools that incorporate soft materials, lights, sounds, and tactile cues to guide participation and reduce fear.
Project Description: The goal is to design, prototype, and refine two sensory-safe grooming products for children ages 3–10:
1. Whisper Wild Critter Clippers – Manual, animal-shaped nail trimmers featuring rounded PDV-coated ceramic blades, sensory feedback (LED eyes and sounds), and a nail detection sensor. A silicone-textured outer shell improves grip and sensory comfort. Swappable cradle inserts support both finger and toe trimming with a length range of 1.02.0 mm. A light-up button and LED feedback help children know when the clipper is properly positioned. A nail catcher is built into the belly for hygienic cleanup.
2. Whisper Wild Tiny Tame Buzzers– Electric hair trimmers using an internal cradle system to isolate vibration and reduce auditory overstimulation. They include low-noise motors, animal-inspired ergonomic casing, LED visual cues, and calming sound modules. Swappable comb guards support different hair lengths. These are USB-C rechargeable and waterproofed for home use.
***This project is conducting remote interviews. Please visit https://bit.ly/Whisper26028 to schedule a time to speak to the sponsor***