A redesign of assistance dog vests

Abstract

The assistance dogs provided by KNGF Geleidehonden are extremely helpful and important for people in a wheelchair with physical disabilities. These dogs wear assistance dog vests, when going outside, to communicate that they are service dogs. Some issues with the assistance dog vest exist however, because of which this graduation project focussed on redesigning the assistance dog vest.

Current Product
The assistance dog vest was examined and a user research was done. It was found that the assistance dog vest has three functionality goals for the clients; to show that the dog is an official KNGF Geleidehonden dog, to communicate that the dog should not be distracted, and to explain that the dog is helping the client. However, currently many dogs are often distracted, which is considered as a functionality issue. Furthermore, it was found that the clients have many different physical disabilities often resulting in limited strength in the hands and arms. Because of this, the usability of putting the assistance dog vest on the dog and taking it off is difficult for the clients, because of the bellyband, which is considered as a usability issue.

Redesign
A redesign was created focussing on solving both the functionality and the usability issue. A concept for an assistance dog collar was created. In order to solve the issue that dogs are often distracted, the shape of the redesigned product was inspired by human uniforms, to convey authority and empathy. Lenticular colour-coded shoulder patches are added to create a distraction and barrier between people and the assistance dog. Furthermore the imprint is chosen to clearly explain the situation. The usability of the assistance dog collar is designed to be suitable for the client, by changing the vest into a collar, in which its functionalities are integrated. This way, the issues with the bellyband are removed. Furthermore a magnetic snap-lock fastener, a Fidlock, is added to the product to enable the client to easily open and close the collar, without requiring much strength in the hands and arms.

Validation
In order to validate the concept, three user tests, focussing on the wearability of the concept for the dog, the usability of the concept for the clients and the functionality of the concept for other people, were done. This resulted in recommendations for the physical design of the concept and for further research. Certain physical aspects of the concept can be improved, mainly concerning the fixation of the assistance dog collar on the assistance dog and the usability of the collarband. It is recommended to create a smaller sized product with more curved shapes for easier fixation, and to use a improved version of the collarband, which had positive test results. For successful implementation of the concept within KNGF Geleidehonden, the wearability and embodiment of the product should be developed further. The functionality of the product and the experience of both client and other people should be researched over a longer period of time.