The Tolet Story
A story of how public restroom helped me generate ideas.
“I assure you that we all have faced this issue so often that it has almost become our nightmare. “
In the heart of bustling cities, among the winding roads frequented by Uber drivers, and through the curious eyes of tourists, a common quest unites us all: the search for a clean, safe public restroom. It’s a need as old as time, yet it has become a challenge in our modern, fast-paced world, often leaving us feeling lost and frustrated. But what if this quest could lead us to more than just a restroom? What if it could connect us to a community, transform our experiences, and enhance our safety? This is the story of Tolet, an app designed to do just that.
Our journey begins with a struggle.
Uber drivers, caught during their busy schedules, search for a moment’s relief. Eager to soak in new sights, tourists find their adventures paused by the practical need. While navigating their daily routines, city dwellers encounter the urban maze’s lack of amenities. The need for a solution is clear, urgent, and universal.
Enter Tolet, the beacon of hope for all in search. As the UI/UX designer behind Tolet, after hearing the stories of many people, I envisioned more than just an app; I saw an opportunity to revolutionize how we think about and use public restrooms. Tolet is designed to guide users to clean, spacious, and safe restrooms, but it doesn’t stop there. It’s an invitation to a community, a chance to connect, share, and support one another in our most human moments, which enhances the restroom experience like never before.
Here comes the solution.
Crafting a user interface that was intuitive yet comprehensive meant balancing simplicity with depth. Fostering an online community meant creating spaces for engagement that were both welcoming and secure. Tolet’s true success lies in its dual function: it locates restrooms and builds friendly connections that are designed to serve all. Users share their stories, post about local events, advise fellow travelers, or even protect themselves.
The Q&A feature becomes a treasure trove of local knowledge, from the best coffee shops to emergency assistance. For tourists, the app becomes a lens through which the local culture comes alive, recommended not by algorithms but by the people themselves. Instead of spending your time on TikTok or tedious Candy Crush games, why not spend your time browsing some interesting local news, listening to some great stories from others, or even assisting others who need help? The app’s emergency features and First Aid information provide peace of mind, especially for vulnerable groups like children and single women. In moments of need, the community is just a click away, ready to offer help before the authorities can arrive.
Users, like you or any of us, enter as individuals seeking a restroom but leave as community members, connected by shared experiences and mutual support. The app transcends its practical utility, becoming a platform for social interaction, safety, and environmental responsibility. Looking for and using public restrooms shall never become a nightmare but should be a more attractive and intriguing journey.
As the designer behind Tolet, I’ve learned that the essence of a great app lies in its ability to address a basic need while fostering a deeper connection. The feedback from our users like you —stories of newfound confidence, discoveries of hidden local gems, and instances of timely assistance—fuels our commitment to improving and expanding Tolet.
Tolet’s story is ongoing, and the journey is yours to join.
Whether you’re seeking a clean restroom, local insights, or a community of supportive friends, Tolet welcomes you. Together, we’re not just finding restrooms; we’re redefining the public restrooms, discovering connections, sharing stories, and building a safer, more inclusive world—one restroom at a time.