Risk-Takers: ICC Students in the Shark Tank
Things have been buzzing in our classroom as we’ve taken on the exciting challenge of designing and pitching our very own manual toothbrushes! This project, part of our IMYC topic on "Risk-Taking," has been all about thinking big, being bold, and working together to create something amazing.
We kicked things off by diving deep into the world of product design. What makes a toothbrush not just good, but great? We studied the key elements of successful design - how it looks, how it feels, how it works, and how much it costs to make. Then came the fun part: analysing real toothbrushes! From fancy ergonomic designs to eco-friendly models, we took a close look at what’s already out there and started dreaming up ways to make ours even better.
But being an inventor isn’t just about wild ideas - you have to think about the business side, too. We explored the costs of making and marketing a product and considered how these costs impact pricing. It was eye-opening to realize just how much thought goes into even the simplest products we use every day.
Next, we turned to the experts for inspiration. Watching clips of Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank gave us a crash course in pitching a product. We learned how to showcase our ideas, emphasize what makes them special, and prepare for tough questions from potential investors. (The "Dragons" definitely don’t go easy!)
Armed with all this knowledge, we rolled up our sleeves and got creative. First, we sketched out our ideas for new toothbrush designs - everything from sleek and modern to bold and colourful. Then, it was time to bring those ideas to life using modelling clay. Seeing our designs take shape in 3D was such a satisfying moment!
Now, we’re gearing up for the final phase of the project: our big pitch. Each group is pulling together everything we’ve worked on - our prototypes, marketing materials, and financial plans - to present in a Dragon’s Den–style showdown. We’re creating posters, ads, websites, and even thinking about how to answer those tricky "investor" questions.
Throughout this project, teamwork has been our superpower. Whether designing, building, or marketing, we’ve all played to our strengths while collaborating to make our ideas the best they can be.
It’s been a whirlwind of creativity, problem-solving, and plenty of laughs along the way. As we put the finishing touches on our pitches, we’re ready to take on the "Sharks" with confidence. Who knows? Maybe one of our toothbrushes will be the next big thing!
