Dog Whisperers Pull Pal 360 - University of Pittsburghsbp28/pdf/Design Log Book.pdf · What is your favorite/least favorite part about playing with your dog? Favorite thing is when

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Dog Whisperers

Pull Pal 360

MEMS 0024 Product Design Project

Group 31

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Table of Contents

MEMS 0024 – Team Contract………………………………………………………………………... 3

Client Statement……………………………………………………………………………………….. 5

Hypothesis and Preparation for Initial User Discovery…………………………………………….. 7

Result of Initial User Discovery………………………………………………………………………. 8

Idea Generation……………………………………………………………………………………….Error! Bookmark not defined.7

Preliminary Designs…………..………………………………………………………………………..22

User Discovery of Initial Prototype…………………………………………………………………... 27

Final Design……………………………………………………………………………………………...33

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MEMS 0024 – Team Contract

Project: Safe Dog Pull Toy

I. Roles

NAME

Team leader/taskmaster ...

Scheduler/meeting coordinator ...

Communicator ...

Materials manager ...

Recorder ...

II. Regarding communication

(What are the best ways to contact each other, set up meetings, etc.?)

Behaviors we commit to: Behaviors to avoid:

-communicate ideas and meetings about project through GroupMe -notify group members ASAP about conflicts with meeting times -clearly state who is turning in group work for a given assignment -if you cannot meet a deadline for the project notify the group members so that we can help get it done

-do not ignore messages -do not skip meetings

III. Regarding team meetings


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-come prepared -stay focused -have an open mind to others ideas

-do not be late -do not trail off into unproductive conversation

IV. Regarding responsibilities and tasks

(How will work be split up? Which tasks will be completed individually? Which tasks will be completed

as a team?)


-clearly define each team member’s workload -assist team members when asked for help -decide in meetings and/or GroupMe who is assigned each task

-not asking for assistance when needed -one member taking on an unrealistic amount of work

V. Regarding decisions

(What will your decision making process be?)


-everyone is a part of decisions that affect the group -keep an open mind and discuss all ideas and opinions

-one member making decisions without the group -being passive-aggressive about ideas you don’t like

VI. Regarding conflicts

(How will conflicts be addressed?)


-open communication -leaving conflicts unresolved

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-team members voting if there is a split in ideas -resort lastly to instructors, but try to resolve any conflicts among ourselves

-being passive-aggressive -complaining to instructors before addressing the group

VII. Regarding accountability

(What steps will be followed if a team member does not uphold this contract?)


-talk to the member about what is wrong -group discussion on issues before decisions are made -notify members before taking action against said member

-not upholding this contract

Client Statement

Title of the Proposed Product/Part/Device:

Safe Dog Pull Toy

Description of the Need:

We noticed that our pet enjoyed pulling on a rope attached to a swing set, but it caused pain

and injury because the rope was stiff and at a steep angle. The pet enjoyed it so much that it

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continued in spite of the injury. Based on that observation, it seems that there is an opportunity

to create less stressful and safer pet toy and exercise device. We are looking for a new pet

exercise device that incorporates the pull rope concept, but in a way that is safe for the pet

without decreasing engagement and fun.

Design Requirements:

• Non-toxic

• Portable but easily fixable in a backyard or park without tools

• Must allow the dog to pull with resistance through an elastic component (but with a hard limit)

• Must have safe component for the dog to bite

• Must allow wide range of motion for the dog

• Prefer to be manufacturable in a garage

Expected User(s):

• Suburban pet owners in the 20-50 year range, with children

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Hypothesis and Preparation for Initial User Discovery

Hypothesis:

Many dog owners have concerns about their dog being injured during play. Consumers care

about the safety of their dog and want a safer toy for their dog to use.

Who will we interview:

We will interview suburban and urban dog owners, veterinarians, and pet store managers.

Questions for Suburban and Urban Dog Owners:

● What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

● How long have you owned your dog?/How old is your dog?

● What type of dog do you have?/How big is your dog?

● How do you exercise/play with your dog?

● When and where do you exercise/play with your dog?

● How many dogs do you own?

● What is your favorite/least favorite part about playing with your dog?

● What is your/your dog’s favorite type of toy?

● What safety concerns do you have about your dog?

Questions for Veterinarians:

● How long have you been a veterinarian?

● Where did you receive your degree from?

● Did you always know you wanted to be a vet?

● What are some of the main reason on why you choose this profession?

● In being a veterinarian, how often do you treat injuries inflicted on dogs due to harsh or

too rough of play?

● What are the most common injuries dogs receive that you treat?

● Do you believe that the common “rope pull toy” is safe?

● If a “rope pull toy” is not safe, why?

● Do you believe there could be a safer alternative to the “rope pull toy”?

● If one had to use a “rope pull toy”, what would be the safest way to allow their dog to use

it?

● When playing with a dog, what are some of the activities a person should avoid putting

them through?

● Why are these maneuvers/activities bad for them?

● What is the safest material a dog toy could be made out of?

● What is the safest way for one to play with their dog? Why?

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Result of Initial User Discovery

User Discovery:

Interview 1: Dog Owner 7min


○ I enjoy working out.


○ One dog.


○ I have owned my dog for two years, and she is two years old.


○ I own a labrador. 70 pounds.


○ I will throw a ball around with her.


○ In the backyard and local parks.


○ It makes me happy to see her having a good time. I don’t have a least favorite

part.


○ A soccer ball.


○ None



○ I enjoy playing the trumpet and the guitar.


○ I own two dogs.


○ I have Bagel for 10 years and is 10 years old, and Jasper I have had for two

years and is also two years old.


○ One is a lab and hound mix, about 100 pounds. The other is a pointer mixed with

a mutt, so a lot of different breeds. They are 40 pounds.


○ Bagel, the big one, is usually chilling, he plays with the younger one. Jasper likes

to run and chase balls/frisbees and stuff as well as go on runs.


○ Mostly at our house in our yard.


○ Favorite thing is whenever I am throwing stuff for them and chasing them around.


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○ Any sort of stick/pull toy that we can throw.


○ I am concerned about them throwing out their back/injuring their head when

pulling or shaking their toys around. A previous dog was injured doing this.



○ I enjoy playing sports outside with my friends.


○ One dog.


○ I’ve had a dog since I was born, this is my second dog who is eight years old

now.


○ Rot/Husky/Lab mix, over 100 pounds.


○ We play fetch a lot and we will also go for runs together.


○ We play outside in the backyard and around the neighborhood. I play with him

whenever he’s outside and I feel like joining him.


○ Favorite thing is when he barks back and wags his tail. My least favorite thing is

when he scratches me or throws his weight on me.


○ A rope ball.


○ I am concerned that he might get lost/ run over.



○ I enjoy going outside to sit at the park.


○ I own one dog, but also a cat who acts very much like a dog.


○ We have owned her for about five months now and she is seven months old.


○ She’s a chocolate lab and was 45 pounds the last time we visited the vet a

couple weeks ago.


○ My mom will generally take her on runs and I will throw her toys for her or chase

her around a room until she gets too excited, and has to calm down. She is also

now trained with her invisible fence and we now will let her run around the yard

as well to her heart’s content.


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○ My mom will usually run with her in the afternoon and I will play with her most

days whenever I’m not too busy.


○ She’s cute and very happy when we’re playing and if I’m super energetic it’s fun

to play with her, but sometimes it is tiring for myself.


○ Her’s is probably anything that she isn’t supposed to have, but mine is just a

regular old tennis ball, because she just learned how to fetch.


○ She whacks her head off of our coffee table a lot.



○ I enjoy listening to music and playing with dogs.


○ I own one dog.


○ I have owned her for seven years and she is eight.


○ I own an american bulldog and they are 65 pounds.


○ I will take her on walks for play with her rope toy.


○ I play with her everywhere, inside and outside.


○ My favorite thing is everything, and my least favorite thing is when my dog gets

tired.


○ Both of our favorite toy is the rope.


○ I am concerned that she is old and gets tired easily.



○ My favorite thing to do is play or listen to music.


○ One dog.


○ Eight years old and I’ve had her for eight.


○ She is a miniature schnauzer, medium sized around 25 pounds.


○ Playing fetch with a stuffed animal duck or a squeaky toy.


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○ In the evenings (when I’m at home), in the living room.


○ Favorite thing is seeing her happy, but I don’t like having to keep washing her

stuffed animal toys.


○ Stuffed animals.


○ I’m concerned about her running into objects in the house when playing fetch or

ingesting the stuffed animal fluff.



○ One

● What type of dog do you own?

○ Mini poodle

● How many toys have you bought for your dog?

○ Dozens, we go through at least once a week. If there is a squeaker in a toy he

will chew at it until he can get it out.

● How do you get your dog to interact with a toy?

○ He responds well to noises, like from a squeaker, and of course dog treats.



○ Four

● What type of dogs do you own?

○ Pug Boston Terrier mix, German Shepard, Boxer, Pitbull

● How many toys have you bought for your dogs?

○ I buy a bag of pork rinds for them to chew on about once a week

● How do you get your dogs to interact with a toys?

○ I just put the toy in front of their face until they start playing with it



○ One

● What type of Dog do you own?

○ English bulldog

● How many toys have you bought for your dog?

○ About one every every few months

● How do you get your dog to interact with a toy?

○ He prefers squeaky toys because of the sounds they make

Interview 10 : Pet Store Manager 15min

● What is your best selling dog toy?

○ Fluff and Tuff durable plush toys and Kongs.

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● What is your best selling dog pull toy?

○ Katie’s Bumpers recycled firehose pull toy.

● What type of toys do dogs like the most?

○ Dogs like toys that make some sort of noise when they grab it

● What types of materials are safest for dogs?

○ Durable rubber toys or any toy that is not going to break apart and be ingested.

Interview 11: Veterinarian 32min


○ 20 years.


○ Vet Tech Institute.


○ Yes, as long as I can remember.


○ Always loved animals.


too rough of play?

○ 2-3 cases a month.


○ Cruciate tears, back injuries, eye injuries


○ No.


○ If a dog chews on it and breaks it up, the strings are unsafe to ingest. It can be

safe with supervision.


○ Kong's and durable rubber toys.


it?

○ Don’t yank or pull on the rope.


them through?

○ Playing with your hands, tug-o-war.


○ Tug-o-war can hurt teeth, jumping up and biting things can tear ligaments in their

knees, as well as harm their teeth and neck.

Interview 12 : Veterinarian 38min


○ 27 years


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○ University of Georgia


○ Always


○ I have always loved animals and wanted to help them. I also love the fact that I

get to help people too.


too rough of play?

○ Once a week


○ Either bites from other dogs, blunt force trauma from cars, and/or different kinds

of leg sprains


○ Definitely not


○ The toy has intestinal foreign body potential(is able to come apart and get stuck

in the dog's intestines)


○ Yes, there are some hard rubber chew toys that tend to be less likely to come

apart, but


it?

○ Under supervision, so they are not chewing it apart


them through?

○ You have to have the right temperament of dog to play tug-o-war with them bc it

may increase their dominant nature. Walks or obedience activities are the best.


○ Beware of the dogs bone structure so that you are not hurting them by certain

movements

● What is the safest material a dog toy could be made out of?

○ No tennis ball material (wear on their teeth) and bones case teeth fractures so

the best material would be an indestructible, soft, and rubber material.

● What is the safest way for one to play with their dog? Why?

○ Walks or obedience activities are the best.

Interview 13: Entrepreneur, Mike 53min

● What made you interested in this project?

○ I want to develop a product that is safe for dogs to use. Additionally I would like

to generate extra income to help my kids pay for college.

● Where do you currently work?

○ I am the Sr. Strategic Advisor for FedEx.

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● What type of dog do you have?

○ A Yellow Lab

● Do you have any partners in this project?

○ No

● What is your target production cost?

○ I would like the retail cost to $19.99, and I would like to produce the product for

$5. Additionally the product needs to be simple enough to be manufactured in a

garage.

● What design elements would you consider to be crucial to the product?

○ I want the product to be safe and beneficial for the dog to use. We should

emphasize healthy exercise for the dog. A force upward on the dog’s mouth can

damage their teeth, so we want to eliminate this.



○ Watching netflix and hanging with my friends.


○ I have had my dog for 7 years and he is 7 years old.


○ My dog is a mutt, but we think he is a labrador/retriever/australian shepherd mix.

He is 115 pounds.


○ We take him on walks and hold his bone while he chews on it.


○ Around my neighborhood and in my backyard.


○ Just one


○ My favorite part about playing with my dog is watching him jump in the air

because he looks so happy. I do not have a least favorite part.


○ My dog’s favorite toy is his stuffed pig.

● What safety concerns do you have about playing with your dog?

○ I am concerned that he will tear his acl again by stepping in a hole while running.



○ Playing sports and hanging with my friends.


○ I have had my dog for 6 years and we got him at a shelter so do not know his

true age, but he is probably 8.


○ He is a mutt but we think a beagle/dachshund mix. He is about 30 pounds.

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○ I usually play fetch with him or just run around the yard while he chases me.


○ Usually in my backyard or in the house.


○ One


○ I love when my dog gets all excited and becomes very playful. I hate when he

drowls on me.


○ He loves his squeaky duck.


○ I often get scared that he will run into a sharp edge while running fast or that he

will swallow something and choke on it.

Meeting Notes October 3rd 11:00am:

Design requirements/suggestions

Able to toggle between human interaction and independent use

Interchangeable squeaker or toy on the end

What would be safe/not safe for dogs to use?

What is the benefit of this type of exercise?

$5 per design

$19.99 price point

Interviews and further contacts to look for:

● Vets

● Thompson.net

● Alibaba.com ---> manufacturers

● Chey.com ---> dog food supply

The user’s design problem is that it is difficult to play with your dog without injuring them. Safe

design and material for the dog to use is required. It must be a portable, non toxic toy. Animal

centered design, concerning safety and comfort for the dog. We also want to design something

that the dog will want to play with a wide range of motion. The product should be

manufacturable in a garage. One specific issue that comes up is when the dog pulls on the

swing set. It is an unsafe angle for the dog.

User Discovery Results: ● Is the problem statement real?

After collecting user feedback, there does seem to be a market for the product described

in the client’s problem statement and hypothesis. Most dog owners have safety concerns about

their dog, and many professionals expressed issues with current dog pull toys.

● Have you identified the set of users who actually care and would want such a solution?

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The identified users are dog owners who have safety concerns that apply to the physical

safety of their dog. This applies to most of the consumers.

● Have you gathered information to enable you to clarify the problem (in terms of

objectives, requirements, constraints, etc.)

The information gathered in the user discovery have led us to believe that the client’s

request can be applied to creating a safer pull toy.

Refine Problem Definition:

● Clarify Objective

○ The objective of this product is to manufacture a safe, cheap, and easy to

manufacture pull toy.

● Establish user requirements

○ Users are looking for a toy that can serve multiple purposes, such as allowing

user interaction in addition to a toy the dog can play with on its own. They also

want a toy that will not harm their dog while in play.

● Identify constraints

○ The toy must be easy to manufacture in a garage, as well as cheap to produce at

a target cost of $5. If a rope toy is used, then user supervision would be required

to ensure the toy does not become a choking hazard. The toy must allow the dog

to play with by itself.

● Establish functions

○ The main use of the toy will be for the dog to play with by itself. The toy will also

be able to serve as a toy for the user to play with the dog.

● Establish design specs

○ Design aspects that are required are no forces up or down to the dog, meaning

an adjustable height to the toy. The toy must be made of a durable material to

prevent choking, as well as having 360 degrees of movement to prevent spinal

injuries. To achieve the objective, the toy will be able to be anchored, either to

the ground or another object, to allow pulling from the dog.

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Idea Generation Brainstorming:

1. Pull rope

2. Pull rope with handle

3. Pull rope staked into ground

4. Elastic pull toy

5. Squeaky pull toy

6. Treat dispensing pull toy

7. Detachable pull toy with separate base

8. Adjustable height of stake attached to the pull toy

9. Pull rope ball

10. Angled pulley system

11. Pull rope with base attached to ground

12. Squeaky pull toy with base attached to ground

13. Treat dispensing pull toy with base attached to ground

14. Elastic pull toy with base attached to ground

15. Adjustable height of base

16. Chew toy attached to chain

17. Pull toy attached to branch of tree

18. Squeaky toy attached to branch of tree

19. Treat dispensing toy attached to branch of tree

20. Pull toy attached to trunk of tree

21. Squeaky toy attached to trunk of tree

22. Treat dispensing toy attached to trunk of tree

23. Closeline pull system

24. Rotating base for pull toy

25. Rotating base with pulley system

26. Squeaky pull toy with hardened extension handle

27. Treat dispensing pull toy with hardened extension handle

28. Carabiner connection to closeline track pull system

29. Kinked ground stake attached to toy base

30. Base tied to stakes using rope

31. J hook rebar ground stake

32. Elastic base to pull toy

33. Pull toy with ring shape connection allowing multiple dogs to play

34. Long base to stake further into ground

Morphological Analysis:

35. Elastic pull toy with handle

36. Elastic pull toy staked into ground

37. Base attached to chain with chew toy

38. Squeaky toy attached to chain

39. Base attached to chain with squeaky toy

40. Elastic base with stiff pull toy

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41. Elastic base to squeaky toy

42. Elastic base with treat dispenser

43. Elastic base with stiff squeaky pull toy

44. Elastic base with stiff pull toy and treat dispenser

45. Fishing rod like deployment with squeaky pull toy

46. Fishing rod like deployment with treat dispenser

47. Base of pull toy with lights

48. Base of squeaky toy with lights

49. Base of treat dispensing toy with lights

50. Two pulley system that allows user to tug on it as well

51. Two pulley system that is detachable so dog can play by itself

52. Two pulley system in opposite direction so user can pull down instead of up

53. Stiff center point of pull toy with two elastic ends for user and dog

54. Stiff center point of pull toy with two elastic ends and one squeaky end

55. Base with speaker that barks back at dog

56. Bluetooth speaker that barks back at dog

57. Y shaped pull toy for multiple users

58. Y shaped squeaky toy for multiple users

59. Y shaped pull toy with treat dispenser for multiple users

60. Carabiner connection for toy attached to other objects

61. Carabiner connection for squeaky toy attached to other object

62. Detachable base to allow user interaction

63. Detachable base with squeaky toy to allow user interaction

64. Detachable base with treat dispenser to allow user interaction

65. Pull rope with hardened extension handle

66. Pull rope with adjustable extension handle

Design Heuristics:

67. Base with rope attachments that are staked into ground

68. Fishing rod like rope deployment

69. Hollow base to thread pull toy through

70. Wide base to allow storage of rope

71. Twisting base into ground

72. Bottom of base flares out into multiple stakes

73. Tension sensor to detect possible injury of dog

74. Solar power lighted base of pull toy

75. Able to lower base close to ground

76. Base with multiple pull toys attached

77. Base with Y shaped pull toy

78. Pulley system with two ends for two dogs

79. Two pulley system

80. Rope with two attachments to the base

81. Base hollowed out where pull toy is attached to the bottom of base

82. Pull toy attached to anchor weight

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83. Elastic toy attached to anchor weight

84. Squeaky toy attached to anchor weight

85. Water dish attached to bottom of base

86. Water and food dish attached to bottom of base

87. Base with tension sensor dispenses treats after a certain amount of force

88. Clamp attached to base to hold pull toy

89. Dual clamps attached to base

90. Adjustable height of clamps to base

91. A central four pulley system to hold pull rope

92. Base rotates 360 degrees and also bends elastically

93. Base with locking groove to hold toy

94. Retractable toy into base

95. Base screws into ground

96. Fill handle of toy with treats

97. Pull toy that mechanically can pull back against dog

98. Suction base to other surfaces e.g. fence

99. Gyroscope function to always make toy at optimal angle

100. Hydraulic pump to base to allow user to pull back

101. Stuffed animals can be connected to end of toy

102. Tension sensor that releases toy if dog would be harmed

103. Pull toy charges battery pack in the base

Sketches:

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Preliminary Designs 1:

Two bungee cords are tied to a durable rubber ring, with hooks attached to both ends of the cords. The cords can be secured to a tree or poll by wrapping each end around once and connecting the hooks (as shown in sketch). The rubber material will be safe for the dog to continuously chew on, as opposed to less durable materials that can break apart and be ingested. The toy will allow the dog a wide range of motion around the tree, although not around the entire tree. The simplicity of the toy will make it easier to operate for the user, as well as make it easier to manufacture in a garage.

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2:

This design focused on ensuring the rope on the dog’s side is parallel to the ground

throughout play. Additionally, a force sensor on the dog’s end will open a clamp releasing the

dog’s rope when tension is dangerously high. One drawback to this design is the cost of the

force sensor, which may be too expensive to incorporate.

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3:

When gathering user feedback, some of the main issues our users and veterinarians saw with common dog toys, and the typical canine playtime, were that often animals are given toys that can be easily chew apart and are played with in a manner that they are subjected to an upward directed force, in which can cause neck or teeth injuries. To combat easily chewable toys, my design features a rope that has to loops on the end of it so that the pet owner can select what toy they want to attach and can either attach the other end of the rope to a stationary object or play with their dog their self, with an attachable handle. To solve the issue of an upward force, my design features a 4 pulley system and adjustable stake that allows the animal to always be pulling horizontal on the rope. With a base that can also rotate 360 degrees, the animal will also be able to pull all around the staked in base. The shortcoming of my design are that there are a lot of components to insert the 4 pulleys so it may be hard to manufacture in a garage quickly, it may be expensive to make, and it maybe easy for the dog to tangle the rope in other objects.

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4:

This mechanism will be connected between a tree and a rope that the dog can pull on. When

the dog pulls hard enough against the spring that the rope is attached to, it will move the door

over far enough for a treat to fall out of the bottom.

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5:

The rope toy is connected to the stake with a metal clip, which can rotate on a pivot. By

having the toy able to rotate, it allows the dog to maneuver 360 degrees while also preventing

injury due to jerking. It also allows the user to disconnect the toy in order to play with their

dog. However, the toy would be more difficult to manufacture in a garage due to the pivoting

metal clip.

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User Discovery of Initial Prototype

Initial Prototype:

Users are shown initial prototype which features a stake, ‘elastic’ string, and slider for adjustable

height.

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Revision of Hypothesis:

Many dog owners have concerns about their dog being injured during play. Consumers care

about the safety of their dog and want a safer toy that their dog can play with by themselves. A

safe solution to this is a staked pull toy with flexible parts and a toy at the end.

Interview Questions:

1. Do you own a dog?

2. Does this look like a toy you would have your dog play with?

3. How much would you be willing to pay for a finished product of this toy?

4. Why is it worth that much to you?

5. What would you change about the toy?

6. What do you like about this toy?

7. Does the toy seem safe for your dog?

8. Would you pick this toy over a traditional rope pull toy? Why or why not?

9. Do you think dogs would play with this toy? Why or why not?

10. Do you believe all dog owners would buy such a toy?

Interviews:

Interview 1: Dog Owner 5 mins

● Do you own a dog?

○ Yes, I have two dogs.

● Does this look like a toy you would have your dog play with? Why or why not?

○ No, my dogs are not that active.

● How much would you be willing to pay for a finished product of this toy?

○ $20

● Why is it worth that much to you?

○ $20 is an average price I feel for a toy such as this.

● What would you change about the toy?

○ Make the toy suitable for smaller dogs.

● What do you like about this toy?

○ I like that a dog has the ability to run around and play with this toy

● Does the toy seem safe for your dog?

○ Yes

● Would you pick this toy over a traditional rope pull toy? Why or why not?

○ Yes, because it seem like a more high tech advanced toy

● Do you think dogs would play with this toy? Why or why not?

○ Yes, because most dogs do like to run around

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● Do you believe all dog owners would buy such a toy?

○ Yes. Most dog owners are looking for new ways for their dogs to play.



○ Yes, one dog

● Does this look like a toy you would have your dog play with?

○ Yes, it engages the dog and allows them to keep himself occupied without my

interaction.


○ $13


○ Because it is a very simple design that does not any mechanical parts such as

motor or batteries


○ Make it a bit more durable because it look flimsy


○ I like the accessibility of it and having the ability to transport it easy to different

areas.


○ No, because there is a possibility that the rope could get tangled around the

dog’s neck


○ Yes, because I do not have to interact with the dog while he plays.


○ I feel like you would have to teach them to play with it. I feel they would not get

how to play with it right off the bat.


○ Not all dog owners because some dog owners do not approve of their dogs

tugging on toys.



○ Yes, I have one dog, a german shepard.


○ Yes, my dog enjoys pulling and tugging on things, and this seems like an

interesting design.


○ $10


○ It seems like the cost of materials would be pretty low, and if the price were any

higher I would just make a similar toy myself.


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○ Make it taller so it can be used by bigger dogs and make it out of tougher

materials.


○ I like that it allows the dog to control how hard it wants to pull, and let it play by

itself.


○ It seems as safe as any other pull toy.


○ I think I might, since i don’t really have time to play tugging games with my dog

as much anymore.


○ I think some dogs would play with this toy, while others would not. I guess it

depends on the dog. My dog would like it since she enjoys tugging games.


○ No.

Interview 4 Dog Owner 10 mins


○ Yes, I have a golden lab.


○ Yes, I’m all for giving my dog something new to play with as long as it is safe for

him.


○ $15 to $25


○ I like that the design accommodates different sizes of dogs, and that the

resistance changes according to how much the dog pulls.


○ I think that the pole is probably taller than it needs to be. The toy might be too big

to fit in the back of my car. Maybe it could have more compactable parts.


○ I like the fact that I can change what toys go on the end of the bungee, so I can

put my dog’s favorite toy on the end.


○ yes


○ A traditional pull toy is simpler to use when I want to play with my dog, but the

pull pal would be great to leave in the yard for when I am at work.


○ Maybe not all dogs but most would as long as one of their toys is on the end.


○ Yes

Interview 5 Dog Owner 8 mins


○ Yes, my family has a Yorkshire Terrier.

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○ Sure, we our dog usually likes new toys.


○ $10 to $20


○ It looks like this toy could exercise our dog without us around.


○ It seems like this toy is too big for our dog. We would probably use the smaller

stake and a shorter bungee.


○ I like the concept of a toy that provides some interaction for our dog without

constantly needing to being around.


○ I would be a little worried about the bungee hitting our dog if it wasn’t staked in

enough.


○ Maybe, it seems more complicated that just playing regular tug of war.


○ Yes, I think dogs would play with this toy


○ I think some would if they are willing to try something different.



○ Yes


○ Yes my dog loves tug of war


○ $15


○ Because I think that other pull toys are about the same


○ I would make it stronger so it does not break


○ The fact that my dog can use it by themselves


○ Yes


○ Yes because my dog can use it by themselves


○ Yes dogs enjoy tug of war


○ Yes because most dogs enjoy playing tug of war



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○ Yes a terrier mix


○ Yes it looks like a fancy pull toy


○ $25


○ Because my dog can play with it easily


○ Make the toy easier for small dogs to use


○ I like that the toy is


○ Yes


○ Yes because it seems really cool


○ Yes I think that all dogs would because all dogs like playing with toys


○ No I think some dog owners do not like buying toys for their dogs



○ Yes, I own a labrador retriever


○ No because my dog likes playing fetch


○ $10


○ I never spend more than that on toys


○ I would make it so that the dog can not destroy it easily


○ I like that the dog can use it by themselves


○ Yes


○ No because I like playing with my dog


○ Yes, because most dogs like to pull on things


○ No because not all dog owners like pull toys

Interview 9: Entrepreneur, Mike 20 mins

● Features to consider for future design

○ Add a minimum height stopper

○ Further stabilize stake,

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○ Make a clip that can be added to an existing toy

○ Send Mike supplier of bungee

○ Shorten bungee to %75

User Discovery Results:

● Is the problem statement real?

Now that we have received information from potential consumers of our product, there is

a market for the pull pal as described in the problem statement. Consumers are concerned for

the safety of their dogs using pull toys.

● Have you identified a set of users who actually care and would want such a solution?

Most of the potential customers interviewed were interested in our solution to their

concern of safety. These potential customers included suburban and urban dog owners, but

most urban users would have more trouble setting up the pull pal.

● Is your proposed solution actually viable?

Yes it is because most people are open to paying a decent amount of money for the pull

pal, and it solves the problem of safety for the dog.

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Final Design For our final design we decided that the most important qualities in our product were

safe materials, an adjustable height, the ability for the user to attach or detach a toy to the

elastic bungee, and a stake to secure the product in the ground. We also included a stopper at

the top to prevent the ring from being pulled off of the base. Taking these features from our

preliminary designs we produced our final product.

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Documents

Dog Whisperers Pull Pal 360 - University of Pittsburghsbp28/pdf/Design Log Book.pdf · What is your favorite/least favorite part about playing with your dog? Favorite thing is when