CANINEOPY

Nearly 60% of dogs face understimulation during summer due to limited outdoor time or difficulty accompanying owners. Additionally, dogs are at a higher risk of skin cancer, often lacking sun protection, and are prone to heat stroke, with an estimated 900,000 dogs requiring clinical care each summer.

How can we redesign existing dog gear to ensure both dogs and their owners experience versatile comfort in the sun, merging practicality and innovation, ensuring daylight can be properly maximized

Opportunity

User Persona

This is Mae

Mae is a Border Collie-Shepherd, and she’s one of the sweetest, silliest dogs you’ll ever meet. Her boundless energy and playful spirit mean she’s always ready for adventure, whether it’s a hike, a beach day, or chasing her tail in the backyard. With her gorgeous, full head of hair (think fluffy diva vibes), Mae looks fabulous, but she can overheat in the summer sun.

This is Mary

Mary is a college student based in Providence, RI. On weekends, she loves exploring the city, heading to the beach, or hiking with friends. Her favorite adventure buddy is Mae, her sweet and silly dog. But when summer rolls around, their outings often get cut short—Mae overheats in the sun and starts whining to head home. Mary wants to find a way to extend their adventures 

Initial exploration

I had the privilege of working with Jonathon Breiter, a seasoned advertising industry professional. His insights highlighted the equal importance of design and visual identity. This holistic exploration process that included interviewing man four-legged friends and their owners, creating moodboards and analyzing market trends. Research at stores popular of my target demographic, such as LL Bean, Cotopaxi, and REI, provided invaluable context and helped shape the development of a product name and identity that resonated with both function and emotion.

Iteration 1

  • Similar to current market harnesses,

  • Not comfortable, Mae actually was afraid of it and refused to put it on

  • Not Adjustable

  • Front clip harness

User Testing

Iteration 3

  • Pattern was way too big for mae, and even for larger dogs too

  • Needs a better underbelly fastening mechanism, velcro, elastic, buckle?

  • Still not comfortable for Mae, she looks afraid

  • Adjustable

  • Front clip harness

Iteration 5

  • Even more uncomfortable for mae??????

  • Underbelly properly fastened

  • Adjustable

  • Front clip harness

Iteration 8

  • Mae feels comfortable, the key was the shoulders

  • Underbelly properly fastened

  • Adjustable

  • Front clip harness

Many harness designs restrict shoulder movement, risking injury. Early prototypes made Mae uncomfortable around her arms, but by the 8th iteration, we solved this. Once we put it on her, she excitedly motioned to the door for a walk—her happiness said it all.Learn more

Whats Included with Canineopy ?

Market-Inspired Aesthetic: The design aligns with popular competitors, featuring upcycled materials and a patchwork style for a unique, sustainable look.

Front-Clip Functionality: A front-clip attachment discourages pulling, promoting safer and more controlled walks.

Material Consideration: Designed with waterproof athletic nylon and interfacing for a lightweight yet strong harness, ensuring comfort and durability in all conditions.

Integrated Features: The harness incorporates storage for sandbags, a tent cover, and tent poles, keeping everything compact and functional.

Lightweight Design: At just 5.6 pounds, the harness is easy for Mae to carry without compromising her movement or comfort.

Whats Next for Canineopy?

Accessories like cord stoppers and buckles that match the visual Identity of Canineopy, simple in design, playful, and colorful

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