Game-Changing Fidget Computer Mouse for Children

HedgeHog Health Innovation

What problem does the product solve?

Many people need to fidget in order to keep focused and there are many studies that show that fidgeting can increase productivity. The Hoglet is the world’s first fidget toy + computer mouse. It functions as a normal computer mouse but has a molded food-grade silicone cover with pliable “nubs” optimized for fidgeting. As someone who was diagnosed with ADHD late in life, I have always been a fidgeter. I also am on the computer for hours each day, as many of us have been since the pandemic began, and I need to fidget to stay focused during long meetings. The Hoglet is a functional fidget that allows users to work and stay focused.

How can this transform the world or our day-to-day lives?

We all learn differently. We believe that if you have a school or learning place with multiple learners on computers and you don’t have a Hoglet available, you are doing your learners a disservice. As educators, we are responsible for providing our students with all the necessary tools to succeed. The Hoglet is a new modification that can enhance productivity in the classroom or workplace.

Parker Lynch, Entrepreneur

What is the “Founder story”?

HedgeHog Health’s founder, Parker Lynch, struggled with severe undiagnosed ADHD growing up in suburban Detroit. As an adult, he dedicated himself to helping kids with learning differences. He got a Dual Master’s degree in Special Education and Childhood Education at New York University and spent ten years teaching at schools in New York City, Connecticut, Texas, Detroit, and Thailand. Parker is also president of Born and Raised Detroit Foundation, which is 100% volunteer and raises funds by having events across the US and giving all proceeds to youth-focused causes in Detroit.

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How did you come up with the idea?

Parker worked with a lot of kids with ASD and ADHD. Many of them had fidgets and benefited from them. But in some cases, they weren’t allowed to take them into computer labs, which left them anxious and unable to concentrate. Parker thought there must be a solution out there: a product that combined a computer input device and fidgets capabilities.

He looked everywhere. But surprisingly, no such thing existed. So Parker decided to create one himself. He started by brainstorming with the kids he worked with. If they could reimagine the mouse, what would it be like? He also consulted parents, teachers, occupational therapists, and board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and read a ton of research.

He began building models and prototypes: cutting up materials, gluing them to mice (he got really good with a glue gun), and trying out all sorts of textures, shapes, and colors. He had the kids rate the experience and give feedback. Through dozens of iterations and hundreds of feedback sessions, it became clear that children really responded to a certain level of squishiness (measured in “durometers”), a nubby texture, a tapered design, and bright, vivid hues. After 5 years of research, testing, experimentation, and validation from hundreds of kids and adult experts, Parker was confident he’d found the right design. It resembled a baby hedgehog. The Hoglet was born.

HedgeHog Health Reviews

What do customers love most about the product? What are they saying?

Kids and adults are raving about the Hoglet! Below are some examples:

“The Hoglet will provide comfort and function for all sensory-seeking students. We can’t wait to see our scholars in action” -Aquan G., school principal.

“It’s so awesome. I love the way it feels on my hand while I use the computer.” – Braxton, age 6

“This mouse is amazing – it’s helping with my arthritic hands! Strongly recommended for all computer users.” – Wendy, age 70

“I love this mouse so much, it’s adorable, and the texture is great. My son now wants one over his cool gaming one, too. It works very well and is seriously cute. I love the color and would recommend it.” -Kristy L.

“Both our children really enjoyed the Hoglet. Our youngest took to it in particular. She has never been able to use a mouse well or for any period of time. But with the Hoglet, she did both! Highly recommend!” -Em

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