Diagram of Sub Problem

Found the example from class text (page 72) very helpful to formulate more focused sub problems. Narrowed list of sub problem to four research questions in the process.

Proplem & Purpose Statement, Assets, Sub Problems, and Hypotheses (2/25)

Organization: The Berkeley East Bay Humane Society (BEBHS)

BEBHS is a private, nonprofit organization with an animal shelter and veterinary hospital located in Berkeley, California. The organization serves Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, and Marin Counties by offering animal adoption services, canine training classes, humane education, and animal care.

1) Final Problem/Purpose Statement with Sub-Problems to the Problem Statement

Problem Statement: The BEBHS lacks an efficient cat and dog food storage system due to high costs and limited organizing solutions.

Purpose Statement: The purpose of this study is to research human factors, cost-effective storage solutions, and earth friendly methods and materials to develop an innovative cat and dog food storage system that meets the needs of an animal adoption center.

A) Users; Stakeholders; Beneficiaries

End users are identified as canine and feline coordinators, animal adoption center operation management, and/or trained volunteers who will maintain, clean, or in any way utilize the design solution.

Primary users also include shelter animals.

Secondary users and beneficiaries include fabricator(s) or those who build or must assemble design solution.

B) Environment

The BEBHS adoption center in Berkeley, Ca will be the main facility site for the design project.

C) References/ Resources

Research will be conducted on site at the BEBHS and through staff and management input. Interviews will be conducted with other animal welfare facilitators and staff members by visiting various Bay Area adoption centers. Literature will be gathered via the SFSU library on topics such as storage solutions for home or office, compact living, organizing, green materials, human factors, and existing products relating to research topic.

2) Sub-Problems:

1. What are features of existing cat and dog food storage system products?

2. What are features of existing storage solutions for the home and office?

3. What are the criteria for storing cat and dog food properly?

4. What are the different types of cat and dog food to be stored at an adoption center?

5. What is required to design a ‘green’ cat and dog food storage system?

6. What is the cost analysis of earth-friendly materials that can be used to design a cat and dog food storage system?

7. What are the human factors to consider when designing an easy to use and space saving cat and dog food storage system?

3) DRAFT (4 - 6) Hypothesis/Solutions to the designated Problem Statement:

1. A cat and dog food storage system with color codes and/or picture labels will make it easier to organize and identify the various types of food.

2. A cat and dog food storage system with an easy to reach dispense and refill mechanism will provide more ease of use.

3. A cat and dog food system with a measuring device eliminates the need for extra utensils to determine the correct amount of food for animals with special diets.

4. A cat and dog food storage system that is durable and easy to clean will reduce maintenance and last longer.

5. A cat and dog food storage system made with recycled materials is non-toxic, better for the environment, and raises awareness of sustainability.

6. A cat and dog food storage system with space to hold bowls and other supplies will be more functional and easy to organize.

Factors of a User

1. Users:

• Concerned with end-user, maintenance, assembly (making)

2. Factors of a user:

• Scale, cleaning, changing/replacing/refilling etc.
• Comparative analysis: Other sites

3. Characterization of User:

• Go to site -- Observe
  
• Look at active use of environment
• Mapping: Traditional, flexible (once you understand environment)
• Design an adaptable environment
  

VIDEO: Interview with Marc Slater, Shelter manager, BEBHS

Project Notes

This week I have found it difficult to find articles relating to my topic. I have been searching with keywords:

• Kennels, animal shelter, animal housing, animal welfare
  
• Recycled materials, sustainable design, green design
  
• Universal design, human factors
• retail design
  

Other possible problem areas for research:

1. Lack of furniture for animals that is easy to clean and can withstand contamination.
   
2. Lack of an adoption counseling area.
   
3. Need for cat condos with windows.
   
4. Need for an outside dog play area.
   

Project aims to incorporate:

• Industrial design
  
• Universal design principles
  
• Principle of sustainable design
  
• Standards for animal shelter design
  

Bibliography (updated 2/25)

Animal Sheltering Magazine, (2007). Shelter pages. Washington, DC. Humane Society of United States.

Barron, Anne, (2008). Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society. Berkeley, Ca. http://www.berkelyhumane.org

Berks, Andrea. (2008). Pets are wonderful support. San Francisco, Ca. http://www.pawssf.org/index.shtml

Bernardo, Mary Jo. (2008). Animal Rescue Foundation. (2008). Walnut Creek, Ca. http://www.arf.net

Berry, John R. (2004) Herman Miller: The purpose of design. New York, NY: Rizzoli.

Bove, J. (2007). Being green. Display & Design Ideas, 19(2), 46-46.

Dowling, Julie Miller. (2007).Field trip to Winnipeg humane society. Animal shelter magazine. http://www.animalsheltering.org/resource_library/magazine_articles/may_jun_2007/field_trip_winnipeg_humane_society.pdf

Dreyfuss, Henry. (1967). Desiging for people. New York, NY. Paragraphic Books.

East Bay SPCA. (2008). Oakland Shelter. Oakland, CA. www.eastbayspca.org

Fehrenbacher, Jill. (2005). Clean Green Kirei. http://www.inhabitat.com/2005/05/26/clean-green-kirei/

Frei, M. (1998). Eco-effective product design: the contribution of environmental management in designing sustainable products. Journal of Sustainable Product Design, 7, October, 16–25.

Fisk, S.K., Lewis, W.H. (1982). Animal facility design: designing with use & re-use in mind. Lab Animal. 11, 1, 38-39, 41.

Gotzsch, J. (2008). Key Aspects of Product Attraction: a focus on eco-friendliness. J. Environment Technology and Management. 8, 1, 37-52.

Haggas, Carol. (2002). Bridging the Bond: The Cultural Construction of the Shelter Pet. The Booklist, 99, 7, 638.

Higgins, Michelle. (2004). When the Dog’s Hotel Is Better than Yours – Pet-Store Chains Lead Move Towards Resort Like Kennels; A dip in a Bone-Shaped Pool. Wall Street Journal, 243, 127, D1.

Mahnke, Frank. (1996). Color, environment, and human response: an interdisciplinary understanding of color and its use as a beneficial element in the design of the architectural environment.

Milionis, Allison. (2004). Los Angeles improves design of animal shelters. Architectural Record, 192, 5, 36-36.

Militar, Alex (2008). Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society. Berkeley, CA. http://www.berkeleyhumane.org

Oakland Animal Services. (2008). Oakland animal services. Oakland, CA. http://www.oaklandanimalservices.org

Olin, L. (2007). One size rarely fits all: Project for Public Spaces nostrums Aren't universal solutions instead, PPS should consult "the genius of the place.” Landscape Architecture, 97(3), 140.

Ottman, Jacquelyn A. (2007). Eco innovation green marketing. http://greenmarketing.com/articles_and_report.html

Pets Unlimited. (2008). Pets unlimited. San Francisco, Ca. www.petsunlimited.org

Peninsula Humane Society. San Mateo, CA. www.peninsulahumanesociety.org

Pore, Tracey. (2008). San Francisco SPCA. San Francisco, CA. www.sfspca.org

Ringholz, D. (2005, May). From IDSA. Technology Teacher, 64(8), 9-11

Salant, Katherine. (2005). More Storage Options Can Provide a Sense of Order -- and Sanity: [FINAL Edition]. The Washington Post, F.05.

Suttell, R. (2006). The Future of Commercial Interiors. Buildings, 100(12), 66-68.

Urbach, Henry. (2001). Canine Grace. Interior Design, 72, 1,168-71.

Utterback, James. (2006). Design inspired-innovation. Hackensack, NJ: World scientific publication.

Van der Horst, T.J.J. and Zweers, A. (1994). Environmentally Oriented Product Development-Various Approaches to Success. Journal of Engineering Design, 5, 37–44.

Vuskirk, Lisa. (2008). Peninsula humane society. http://www.peninsulahumanesociety.org/

Weinstein, Elizabeth. (2005) Animal Shelters Upgrade Creature Comforts. Wall Street Journal (Eastern Edition). B.1.

Wells, Deborah L. (1996). The welfare of dogs in an animal rescue shelter. Ph.D. dissertation, Queen's University of Belfast (United Kingdom), Northern Ireland. (Publication No. AAT C569632).

West coast pet food supply. Dog food storage, dog food dispensers, pet food storage. http://www.westcoastpetsupply.com/1/dog-food-storage/

Follow Up to Class Group Discussion: 'best' problem & purpose statement:

Organization: Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society

Problem Statement: The adoption center lacks an efficient food and litter storage and transport system.

Purpose Statement: The purpose of this study is to develop an accessible and sustainable food and litter storage/ transport system between the adoption center, hospital, and training warehouse.

A) Users; Stakeholders; Beneficiaries

Both humans and animals, visitors, adopters, staff members, volunteers, Directors, Managers

B) Environment/ Location

BEBHS adoption center Berkeley, Ca

C) References/Resources

J Paul Leonard Library SF State, BEBHS staff input, Maddie’s Adoption Center (SF SPCA), Paws SF, Animal Shelter Magazine, Nathan Winograd, No kill resources, Inhabitat, Modern Cat

Resources

Web:

Maddie's Adoption Center
Paws SF
Animal Sheltering Magazine
No Kill Now
Nathan Winograd
ARQ Architects
Inhabitat
Modern Cat
Ecodesign
Stop Waste
Center for Sustainable Design
Center for Universal Design
Design for All

Books:

• Animal House Style: designing a home to share with your pets by Julia Szabo ; foreword by Mary Tyler Moore.
• Essential Kennel Design by David Key
• Making Kind Choices: everyday ways to enhance your life through earth-and animal-friendly living by Ingrid Newkirk; foreword by Sir Paul McCartney.
• One at a Time: a week in an American animal shelter by Diane Leigh & Marilee Geyer.
• The Floor Plan Book: veterinary hospital and boarding kennel planning and design by E. John Knapp

What D+I 505 Is

DAI 505: Research and Development is a senior capstone Course for all DAI graduating seniors. The class is designed for seniors to demonstrate what we have learned in our major. The objective is to solve a problem chosen from within our individual chosen fields of study. This is a “Problem” based class, not a “Project” based class. Each of us are expected to conduct all phases of development from initial research, conceptualization leading to prototype development, evaluation and cost analysis. The objective is to learn how to develop creative, practical solutions that satisfy the needs of real world clients. Through direct experience it is expected that students will discover how design can make a positive contribution to community and social development.

Prelimanary Problem Purpose Statements

Three Preliminary Problem and Purpose Statements

The Berkeley East Bay Humane Society (BEBHS) is a private, nonprofit organization with an animal shelter and veterinary hospital located in Berkeley, California. The organization serves Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, and Marin Counties by offering animal adoption services, training classes, and animal care. Currently, the BEBHS is in the beginning stages of renovating their facilities. Improvements to the facilities will directly benefit the increasing number of shelter animals, employees, and public. Research resources include BEBHS staff input, research gathered regarding shelter design and improvement, and visits to various animal shelters within Northern California.

1. Subject Area: Kennels

Problem Statement: The adoption centers steel-cage living environment is dated, difficult to use for staff members, and lacks an outdoor play area.

Purpose Statement: The purpose of this study is to develop a “cage-free” living environment for shelter animals that has a modern appeal, is easy to use for workers, and incorporates an outside play area for shelter dogs and staff to enjoy sunlight and fresh air.

2. Subject Area: Sanitation

Problem Statement: The adoption center needs a centralized cleaning station that distributes bleach and water to the different rooms that house the animals and for maintaining kennel care.

Purpose Statement: The purpose of this study is to identify the functional criteria to develop a successful cleaning station and then determine the best materials and method to build and implement.

3. Subject Area: Systems

Problem Statement: The adoption center lacks an efficient food and litter storage and transport system between the shelter, hospital, and training warehouse.

Purpose Statement: The purpose of this study is to develop a more accessible and sustainable method for food and litter storage and transport so that workers no longer have to carry heavy containers in order to feed animals, replace, and dispose of litter.

A) Users; Stakeholders; Beneficiaries
I identify all humans and animals as potential users. Primary Users are identified as BEBHS staff, management, volunteers, and shelter animals. Secondary users and beneficiaries from the East Bay community include visitors, potential adopters, and animal welfare facilitators.

B) Environment
BEBHS adoption center in Berkeley,Ca will be the main facility site for the design project.

C) References/ Resources
Research will be conducted through BEBHS staff and management input, animal welfare organizations, associations, and experts, architects and design firms experienced in animal shelter design and pet habitats, sustainable and eco-friendly design literature, shelter design books and magazines, animal welfare documentaries, and existing product resources.

Universal Design

Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
–Ron Mace

Design For Animals Includes Humans

Today I had a chance to visit the BEBHS and talk with Anne Barron who is the Development Director in charge of fundraising activities and campaigns. Anne gave me a detailed tour of the shelter, introduced me to several staff members, and sat down with me to discuss ideas for a design project. We talked casually, but I learned a lot about the different challenges and obstacles for humans working with animals within a nonprofit organization.

Some of the most prevalent issues have to do with sanitation and contamination. Handling animals, the staff must constantly keep clean hands and take caution when an animal is carrying one of the common diseases. In a very bad situation, contamination can accrue, like when they recently had to throughout a couch being used in a room where adopters get a first encounter with a potential canine adoptee. Something like this happens and the shelter suffers. Anne says this is a common problem and often times furniture and bedding that is needed are thrown out because of it.

Other issues the adoption center struggles with have to do with sound proofing, food and litter storage and transport, the lack of an outdoor play area for shelter dogs, and the underlying fact that the gated kennels and steel-cage cat cages are simply unappealing. I was reminded why I contacted the BEBHS in the first place. Design for animals includes humans. This means it should also be affordable. Sadly money is another issue at the adoption center. Renovation plans are underway, yet the organization forecasts at the least, a couple years before any real changes are realized.

Above: Lutece a 2-yr. old male cat at BEBHS 'Cat Topia'

Berkeley East Bay Humane Society (BEBHS)

“The Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to placing homeless animals with committed caretakers; to developing healthy relationships between pets and people through education, training and counseling; and to promoting the humane treatment of all animals.”

I thought it would be interesting to focus on animals as the 'user' in addition to people for my research project. I know that there are many people who are concerned with animal welfare, and I feel that their are many benefits to fostering healthy relationships between people and animals. I contacted the Development Director at the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society to find out if the organization would be interested in participating in the 'Design for the Community Program' and to initiate a collaborative research & design project for the improvement of their adoption center.

Since they have expressed their interest we have been sharing ideas. So far three of the problems identified are:

1) The adoption centers steel-cage living environment is dated, difficult to use for staff members, and lacks an outdoor play area.

2) The adoption center needs a centralized cleaning station that distributes bleach and water to the different rooms that house the animals and for kennel care.

3) The adoption center lacks an efficient food and litter storage and transport system between the shelter, hospital, and training warehouse.

The Designer

I knew very little about Industrial Design before I enrolled into the Design and Industry program at San Francisco State University. At the time, I didn't have an exact plan or career path, I just loved the process of making things, I am concerned about the environment, and I wanted to be doing something creative.
My major was undecided until the end of my first semester. Thats when I began to learn more about the harmful impacts of our throwaway society and how as designers we can make better choices about the materials we use. I chose to concentrate on product design and development because I want to develop innovative products that are environmentally responsible and promote a healthy planet.

"Good Egg" footstool, Post-consumer egg crates.

This image of the Good Egg footstool best reflects what I am interested in most: furniture design, universal design, and environmental issues. I hope that in the future I will have an opportunity to be a furniture or set designer. I'd like to get more hands-on fabrication experience and would be happy assisting in an industrial design shop after graduating. One day I would like to start a business of my own managing creative projects and developing and designing inspiring products.

When asked,'What inspires me about design?' it's hard to pin-point just what it is that inspires me most. Seems like everything and anything really. I find inspiration in seeing things differently, moving things around, rearranging, and taking things apart. Materials, methods, and tools inspire me. I find inspiration in architecture, landscapes, and nature. I'm inspired by what isn't working or making any sense. I'm inspired by design that does work and does make sense.