An inclusive solution that brings belonging and accessibility to Muslim students and professionals

Empathy

Solidworks

Sketching

3D Printing

The Team

Jack Killian: Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Baja President, Catholic student

Leen Mortada: Muslim Student Association (MSA) President, Muslim student

The Problem

Muslim students describe wudu on campus as: “Uncomfortable”, “Difficult”, “Dirty”

How Did We Start?

It was a slow day of recruiting for our organizations, so Leen and I struck up a conversation...

With a sparse stream of students coming by, my classmate and friend Leen Mortada and I passed the time by discussing everything from Islam to engineering. As a Catholic, I learned that for many Muslim students across the country, making wudu is largely inaccessible. Making wudu consists of rinsing the face, arms, head, and feet with water, and is done privately in special stations. The rarity of ablution stations in shared spaces often leaves students washing their feet in public and standard sinks as the only option. We thought a little design could change this.

Watch this short video to learn about wudu and hear from Marquette Muslims

Current Solutions

University of Miami ablution station

WuduMate Mobile

Ablution stations are the most common way Muslims make wudu, installed in mosques, public spaces, and even homes. However, ablution stations must be fully plumbed in, making them difficult and expensive to install.
The WuduMate Mobile is an existing product meant to serve as a portable ablution station for large gatherings and public spaces. While it does not require installation, it is very large and heavy, making it unsuitable for dorm rooms and small prayer spaces.
For many Muslims needing to make wudu during the day, and away from home, public bathroom sinks are often the only option. Making wudu in sinks is unsafe, uncomfortable, and embarrasing.

Bathroom sinks

The concept

“How might we ensure Muslim students have adequate access to prayer across campus?”

Ideation sketches

To solve this problem, I first needed to understand it. With help from Anas, an MSA member, I learned how to make wudu both in an ablution station and public bathroom, having never done it before. From this, my ideation landed on a product-based solution that aimed to provide standalone ablution stations which are easily placed anywhere. Valuing the stark contrast to existing hard-plumbed stations, Leen was onboard. With her invaluable perspective and ideas, we generated multiple concepts informed by empathetic research.

Concept 1: Initial design with waterfall rinsing and portable tanks

Concept 2: Improvements to portability and up/down adjustability with telescoping legs

Concept 3: Styling improvements with inspiration taken from Islamic art and architecture

Concept 4: Hexagonal shape implemented to improve ergonomics and approach angle of arms through station

Concept 5: Low fidelity CAD model made in Solidworks to validate mechanisms

The prototype

These concepts were presented to 30 Marquette Muslims and they were asked if they wanted the solution; 83.3% responded “Yes”!

With this validation and additional feedback on the design, Leen and I reiterated to make another, more informed concept.

How does the WuduYou Work?

Datasheet explaining how the WuduYou works and showing key specs and features

3D printed 1:3 scale model of the WuduYou

The Pitch

With a solid prototype, we entered Marquette’s Brewed Ideas Challenge, a pitch competition aimed at student entrepreneurs. From this, and subsequent opportunities, we have earned: