While social distancing and wearing masks are doing their bit in stopping the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, washing hands has equally been important. Making kids understand this is a difficult task, and ensuring that they wash their hands is what is necessary at times like these. Thus meet “Washem,” a tailor-made app for kids that teaches them the correct way to wash their hands. Helping them learn the importance of washing hands and decontaminate them entirely are few of the benefits of using the app.
With the useful nature of the app and its popularity growing in numbers, we had the opportunity to interview Edwin Klesman, founder of Washem, who was kind enough to take out some of his time to have a brief discussion with us and help us learn more about the app and its development.
What is the startup/product about? Give us a brief description of it.
Washem is a free mobile application that teaches kids (and adults) how to wash their hands conform to the World Health Organisation’s hand washing instructions.
How many co-founders are there? Please introduce them and their backgrounds.
It’s just me. I started EEKAY ONLINE as a part-time company to work on (web/mobile) apps that provide value, and help others to realise their app ideas.
How did you come up with the idea? What motivated you to do this?
During the Corona Pandemic, I wanted to learn my kids to properly wash their hands. After some research, I found the instructions on the website of WHO and decided to create an app that teaches my kids to wash their hands the right way.
Who is your target market? Why do you think your product will appeal to them?
Initially, I created the app for my 7yo twin kids (a boy and a girl). But the app is useful, especially for kids between the age of 5 to 12 to learn how to decontaminate their hands properly.
Who are your competitors? How are you different from them?
If found a couple of timer apps that show how long you can wash your hands. And one that uses cartoon like hand washing instructions. I created animated GIF’s from a formal instruction video so it is the most clearly demonstrated how to wash your hands. A timer shows how long the hand washing will take. The clear instructions and the fact that you can follow along with the app really helps young people to catch on with proper hand washing fast.
What are the future plans with the product/startup? Any new features you are planning on?
I’m currently checking out camera feed analyses and machine learning to get the app to recognise hand gestures so it doesn’t have to be touched anymore. Other features include playing music from your device while washing your hands to make the procedure more appealing.
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