Problem

Dogs used to be allowed on public transport as long as they were in a bag. These loose guidelines let owners come up with creative methods to bring them on public transportation.

Now dogs must be in fully enclosed bags or carriers. Dog owners with large breeds have to find new methods to bring their furry friends on trains. Working and service animals are excluded.

Personas

This is Harper's first dog since her family pet. Kota loves peanut butter and apples, but not together.These two are looking for an easy and safe way for Kota to ride the subway.

Current Market

Current market research informed the scale, structure, carry methods, and enclosure requirements for a large dog carrier.

Current dog carrier market research

Options in the current market.

Bag Ergonomics

There are many different methods of carrying heavy weight through the use of chest rigs or shoulder straps. Besides the standard tote bag straps, other methods were considered.

Harnesses are often used in industries where workers must lift heavy loads, such as movers.

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Heavy-load harness references for chest rig, shoulder strap, and bags using different load bearing methods.

Sketches

Sketches explored the overall carrier structure, strap layout, dog entry points, and alternate carrying methods.

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Sketch sheet.

Final Design

The final design is a structured, fully enclosed carrier for larger dogs that can shift between tote, front carry, back carry, and cross-body use.

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Final carrier design.

Different Carrying Positions

Features

Key features include carabiner attachment points, mesh windows for breathability and visibility, low handles for under-support, a petting window and chin rest, tote handles, an internal snap hook lead, security buckles, a reinforced abrasion-resistant bottom, and a large opening with an internal zipper-protection flap.

Features

Features.

Materials

Hardware
Twist-locking carabiners
Slide-bolt snaps with swivel eyes for webbing
1.5" plastic squeeze-release buckles

Soft Goods
1000D polyester
600D polyester
Diamond mesh windows
1.5" nylon webbing handles

The bottom half of the bag has a stiff plastic liner to create structure.

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Material and hardware.

Bag Dimensions

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Bag dimensions.

Harness

D-rings located on the front and back of the harness allow the bag to attach and detach easily.

Cushions support comfortable carrying during extended periods of time. The harness also uses mesh cushion, heavy-duty stitching, binding, stainless steel D-rings, feed-through plastic buckles for size adjustment, and 1.5" nylon webbing.

Harness callouts include 18" and 1.5" measurements.

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Harness construction and dimension.

Colorways

The proposed colorways are Sea Blue, Sage Green, and Sunshine Yellow.

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Sea Blue, Sage Green, and Sunshine Yellow colorways.

Changes for Future Versions

  • The harness would have a buckle on the top of the harness as well as the bottom to lock position and provide adjustment.
  • The carrier would feature a larger opening for easier entry and exit.
  • A wider base would use less structure.
  • Different price point options could add more pockets or accessories.
  • Different styles of removable tray or bed could be explored.