Thanks in no part to the ever increasing need for thermometers (Sars, H1N1) and also to combat the problem of students not bringing it to school, Temasek Polytechnic has come up with its own solution.

The iCOOL temperature badge!

In its official website, it states:

iCOOL, by Temasek Polytechnic, is a new-generation oral thermometer which alerts users of the onset of a fever, when to take temperature readings, and lets others know when a user has a fever.

Temasek Polytechnic brings about this behavioural change by transforming an ordinary thermometer into a fashion accessory.

iCOOL encourages and empowers individuals to play a role in helping to contain the spread of communicable diseases.

The functions are basic enough- it takes your temperature, flashes green if you’re safe, red when you may have a fever, allows you to store up to 10 readings, reminds you to take your temperature at regular intervals, and so on.

Perhaps the more important point about this ‘gadget’ is that they’re trying to make it a fashion accessory. The iCOOL comes with a lanyard, and is able to be personalized by some simple artwork.

Personally, I think its a bit of work. I’ve never been known to be creative in that field anyways, but some of the finished products do look nice on the website. No doubt, if it becomes commercialized, there will be students setting up booths (online/offline) to help beautify the product, and make everyone a lot happier.

Its really a nice idea, but whether students will want to hang a lanyard containing a thermometer around their neck all the time is a question that needs to be answered.. I know I wouldn’t, chic or not I just don’t like something hanging on my neck, especially if it weighs more than 100g. Not quite sure how much it actually does weigh at the moment though.

Still, its creative and is a practical thing to have at the moment. If you want to get your hands on one for your kids at home though, you’ll have to wait. At the moment its only distributed to staff and students in higher learning in Singapore.

Do hop on to the official site for more details and pictures.