CHAIR OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN SCUT
2014, Summer Semester
Independent
Software:
Sketch, Invision, Alias, Keyshot
Question
How can we still care for our dog and provide company while we are away from home?
8one
Product Design - A Smart Pet Toy
8one is an intelligent “running” bone set, which can be remotely controlled by the pet owner through an app. With the 8-camera and the 8-app, users can drive the bone and play with their dog even when they are not on site.
8one
8-camera
8one is made of natural rubber in order to withstand strong bites. Its two wheels drive in differential speeds which allows it to make flexible turns. Users can control its movement with the 8-app.
The 8-camera monitors the 8one and conveys the visual data via the internet to the dog owner. In this way, users can better manipulate the 8one when the dog plays with it. It can be easily attached to a door frame or to curtains and operates only with the 8-app’s authorisation.
8-app
With the 8-app, the user’s mobile can turn into a joy stick for driving the 8one. In addition, it also provides services like roughly calculating the burned calories for one run or recording driving routes, which can be recalled later instead of determining a new one.
User Journey
1.When the user is not at home.
2.Enable the 8-Camera through the 8-app
3.Connect the 8one
4.The user starts driving and the dog runs after the 8one
Scenario
Design Process
Topic selection
While left alone at home, my dog “Piggy” always becomes destructive, tearing the cushions and tissues, and even targeting the sofa. Being alone is not part of her nature. She can’t help but feel lonely and anxious, and then acts out as a result. I started this project in order to explore ideas that can help me comfort her better and improve our closeness.
Conception
Brainstorming - how can I improve the closeness with my dog?
Insight
By observing my “Piggy”, I determined that the pain point of her destructive behaviour is loneliness. Therefore, a solution would be to create a sense of being more accompanied in spite of my absence. Further sketches were developed in this direction.
Target User definition
People from the age of 20 to 35 in China are chosen as the target users since they are more willing to buy intelligent products for their pets.
Secondary Research
In order to make my design of the bone more feasible and valid, I conducted literature research in conjunction with conception. After reviewing factors that attract the attention of dogs, such as sounds, movements, colours and smells, two of them could be implemented in my solution. I paid special attention to them during the 8one’s development.
Movement
Irregular bounces and fast movements can draw dogs’ attention.
Colours
Dogs are more sensitive to the purple and blue colour.
Concept Release - Hardware
8one runs wirelessly. While its two wheels drive in differential speeds, its main body tries to stay in balance so the dog can safely bite it.
Battery is hid safely in the middle of the main body to keep it from getting wet; it is chargeable though a small docking station.
Night mode
Concept Release - Software
Sign up: User inputs the basic information of his/her dog, which helps the app to estimate its burned calories.
Home page: The dog’s playing history is shown, which can be shared on different social platforms.
Remote gaming mode: By entering this mode, the 8-camera and 8one are enabled and connected to the app. Users can then remotely control the 8one and watch their dog in real time.
Instant gaming mode: When the user is with the dog, e.g. at home or outdoors, he/she can use this mode to directly manipulate the 8one without enabling the 8-camera. The 8one can reach a further distance than in the remote mode.
Fitting result: After ending a run, the energy consumption is calculated and presented. The home page is updated with every new achievement.
Route saving: In both modes, driving routes can be saved and recalled when the user does not want to manually control the 8one.
