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Reducing pet waste buildup in densely-populated areas.
Training people to pick up after their pets.
Dillon Malone | September 2024
Photo by Hert Niks
35-50% of dog owners do not pick up their pet’s waste.
CONTEXT
Photo by Mustafa Sabri Soymaç
Photo by 2H Media
Pet waste spreads bacteria that can lead to several respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. It can also spread parasites, and parvovirus. When it rains, runoff carries these contaminants into surrounding bodies of water, making them dangerous to swim in. Decaying pet waste can also kill fish, and lead to excessive algal growth.
Waste buildup harms people, pets and the surrounding environment.
IDEATION
Many methods are used to combat pet waste buildup, but none are fully effective.
Pet Waste Stations
Heavily Enforce Fines
Improve Signage
Pet Waste Removal Services
Distribute More Bag Holders
77% of survey participants living in apartments have experienced a pet waste buildup issue.
SURVEY INSIGHTS
See all the survey results here.
SURVEY INSIGHTS
80% of dog owners experience barriers when picking up waste.
33% do not have access to individual bags.
20% do not have nearby trashcans.
20% are too disgusted by pet waste.
7% do not have enough time.
20% have no barriers.
33%
IDEATION + SURVEY INSIGHTS
Incentives motivate people to change their behavior.
80% of the 35 respondents stated that a reward would encourage people to pick up pet waste more.
Dog Treats
Stickers
Sound/Music
Merchandise
56%
Keeping users engaged requires novelty.
INTERVIEW INSIGHTS
If dog owners are utilizing pet waste stations daily, a predictable incentive may loose its power over time. Coupons could be included to provide discounts for dog owners and encourage customers to buy certain products.
Photo by Sampson Katt
STAKEHOLDERS
Creating a branded relationship with retailers will benefit everyone.
INTERVIEW INSIGHTS | RECOMENDATIONS
Key features should be implemented to promote positive habit-building.
Treat + Coupon Dispenser
Waste Bag Weight Detector
Sloped Trash Can Opening
Branded Station
The treat and coupon dispenser would provide a novel incentive.
Training treats will be dispensed in small amounts so dogs won’t be overfed. The coupons would be folded or rolled to fit inside paper or cardboard capsules. The container will be airtight and locked to prevent tampering.
Source: Zuke’s Mini Naturals
The waste bag weight detector ramp will determine when to release incentives.
When a full bag is placed on the slope, the bin flap opens inwards. The treats are released simultaneously. This feature also prevents people from overfilling the waste receptacle with other types of trash.
Source: Beco Pets
STORYBOARDING | SCENARIO OF USE
COUPON !!!
DEPOSIT BAG FOR A REWARD!
It’s time for John and Sparky’s daily walk. John doesn’t usually pick up after Sparky.
John is curious about the new machine, so he decides to try using it this time.
After grabbing a waste bag from the bag dispenser, they go on the walk as usual.
When they come back, John places the bag on the ramp, and after a second, the bin opens, and treats are dispensed.
Sparky loves the treats, so John decides to keep using the machine on every walk.
One day, John receives a coupon for dog food! John continues to use the machine daily for more chances to win discounted products.
FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES | MEASURING SUCCESS
Functional prototypes will determine what steps should be taken next.
Determine ideal placement locations.
Pinpoint any usability barriers.
30% reduction in pet waste buildup.
1 out of 3 users should utilize coupons.
35-50% of dog owners do not pick up their pet’s waste.
CONTEXT
Photo by Mustafa Sabri Soymaç
Photo by 2H Media
Pet waste spreads bacteria that can lead to several respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. It can also spread parasites, and parvovirus. When it rains, runoff carries these contaminants into surrounding bodies of water, making them dangerous to swim in. Decaying pet waste can also kill fish, and lead to excessive algal growth.
Waste buildup harms people, pets and the surrounding environment.
IDEATION
Many methods are used to combat pet waste buildup, but none are fully effective.
Pet Waste Stations
Heavily Enforce Fines
Improve Signage
Pet Waste Removal Services
Distribute More Bag Holders
77% of survey participants living in apartments have experienced a pet waste buildup issue.
SURVEY INSIGHTS
See all the survey results here.
SURVEY INSIGHTS
80% of dog owners experience barriers when picking up waste.
33% do not have access to individual bags.
20% do not have nearby trashcans.
20% are too disgusted by pet waste.
7% do not have enough time.
20% have no barriers.
33%
IDEATION + SURVEY INSIGHTS
Incentives motivate people to change their behavior.
80% of the 35 respondents stated that a reward would encourage people to pick up pet waste more.
Dog Treats
Stickers
Sound/Music
Merchandise
56%
Some features would cause more harm than good.
INITIAL SKETCHES | INTERVIEW INSIGHTS
Treat Dispenser
-
Bag Dispenser
Bag Detection Ramp
Poop Scooper
Step-to-Open Pedal
7 informal interviews were performed to assess how different features were perceived by users.
Keeping users engaged requires novelty.
INTERVIEW INSIGHTS
If dog owners are utilizing pet waste stations daily, a predictable incentive may loose its power over time. Coupons could be included to provide discounts for dog owners and encourage customers to buy certain products.
Photo by Sampson Katt
STAKEHOLDERS
Creating a branded relationship with retailers will benefit everyone.
The treat and coupon dispenser would provide a novel incentive.
Training treats will be dispensed in small amounts so dogs won’t be overfed. The coupons would be folded or rolled to fit inside paper or cardboard capsules. The container will be airtight and locked to prevent tampering.
Source: Zuke’s Mini Naturals
The waste bag weight detector ramp will determine when to release incentives.
When a full bag is placed on the slope, the bin flap opens inwards. The treats are released simultaneously. This feature also prevents people from overfilling the waste receptacle with other types of trash.
Source: Beco Pets
STORYBOARDING | SCENARIO OF USE
COUPON !!!
DEPOSIT BAG FOR A REWARD!
It’s time for John and Sparky’s daily walk. John doesn’t usually pick up after Sparky.
John is curious about the new machine, so he decides to try using it this time.
After grabbing a waste bag from the bag dispenser, they go on the walk as usual.
When they come back, John places the bag on the ramp, and after a second, the bin opens, and treats are dispensed.
Sparky loves the treats, so John decides to keep using the machine on every walk.
One day, John receives a coupon for dog food! John continues to use the machine daily for more chances to win discounted products.
Dillon Malone | September 2024
Reducing pet waste buildup in densely-populated areas.
Training people to pick up after their pets.
Photo by Hert Niks
INTERVIEW INSIGHTS | RECOMENDATIONS
Key features should be implemented to promote positive habit-building.
Treat + Coupon Dispenser
Waste Bag Weight Detector
Sloped Trash Can Opening
Branded Station
FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES | MEASURING SUCCESS
Functional prototypes will determine what steps should be taken next.
Determine ideal placement locations.
Pinpoint any usability barriers.
30% reduction in pet waste buildup.
1 out of 3 users should utilize coupons.