DESIGN NAME: TravelBud
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Small Pet Carrier
INSPIRATION: Solitude and companionship comes in many forms. For many, pets can provide these qualities. Unfortunately, they can get sick due to high levels of anxiety while in transportation. This experience is very common amongst pet owner such as myself. Although appears comfortable is still rigid and unwelcoming. I wanted to find a way to reduces my pet's stress so she too can enjoy the ride and the day ahead. I was motivated to solve this problem for both myself and many others who feel empathetic towards their pet's health and safety.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: TravelBud is an empathetic dog carrier. It's been design to look friendly and create a sense of comfort for your little buddy. Whether you are commuting around town by bus, bike or subway or taking a drive - the TravelBud is built to adapt to various modes of transportation, giving you peace-of-mind.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: This carrier is built from an empathetic perspective of a pet owner. It is built to be carried as a backpack to facilitate commute and includes built-in straps (horizontal and vertical) to secure to seat belts of moving vehicles. The removable, inner fleece lining creates a comfortable and welcoming environment for the pet to nestle in and is easy to clean. When laid across the backside, the TravelBud can create a cave-like environment for the dog to ease their stress and have an enjoyable commute.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The projected started in September 2014 and completed December 2014 in San Francisco, California.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: This product is designed with the intent of using as little technology as possible to appear less intimidating for the pet. The materials used for this travel carrier are leather for the exterior shell, removable fleece lining built to easy cleaning and silver-nickel plated hardware for a strong, secure hold.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: 14 inches (W) x 10 inches (D) x 16 inches (H).
TAGS: Travel carrier, pet, travel accessory, pet care, pet carrier
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The results of interviews and a market research showed that currently pet carriers to be 'too rigid', 'unfriendly9; and at times 'inhumane' due to the construction, colors and materials. While doing the market analysis, there was a clear opportunity in creating a pet carrier that was more effective for both the owner and the pet. The TravelBud met the needs of both the pets and their owners while delivering an empathetic approach to design.
CHALLENGE: The most challenging part of this design was to create a product that was both appealing to the owner (the buyer) and the pet. Their needs are quite different but equally important to built the criteria of this product. Prioritizing the needs was challenging. In addition, further research indicated that the pets prefer a cave-like environment to nestle in to maximize their comfort which is why, the TravelBud can be used both horizontally or vertically for easy commute.
ADDED DATE: 2015-03-01 06:07:41
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Sophie Cheam
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Photographer/Creator Sophie Cheam, TravelBud, 2014.
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