Dog Harness | Dove Design LLC

Client:

ML Makerspace

My Role:

Design Lead; R&D (End-to-End)

Discipline:

Behavioral Research; DFM

Status:

Client-Approved; Funding in Progress for Manufacturing

Behavioral research–driven furniture designed for multi-user interaction and large-scale 3D printing
Design under NDA

Play-Centered Seating

Behavioral research–driven furniture designed for multi-user interaction and large-scale 3D printing

Status: Funding in Process for Manufacturing

Discipline: Behavioral Research; DFM

My Role: Design Lead; R&D (end-to-end)

Client: ML Makerspace

Design Under NDA

Context:

A library and makerspace featured a heavily used but outdated bench that naturally attracted children during sessions. The redesign called for a dual-purpose solution serving as both adult seating and a play surface for young children, optimized for large-scale 3D printing. The challenge centered on analyzing real user behavior and designing a system that supports both structured use and informal play.

My Role:

Led the project from observational research through final design.
Defined and executed research approach, including field observation across multiple sessions, synthesis into design criteria, and development of a solution optimized for 3D printing.
Supporting the client in securing manufacturing grants to advance the design toward production.

Constraints:

User Range:

Designed to support three distinct use modes across adults, toddlers, and elementary-aged children.

Spatial:

Sized to fit a specific architectural niche, lightweight for easy relocation, and incorporates a rear edge feature to contain play materials within the surface area.

Manufacturing:

Optimized for large-scale 3D printing, with geometry, joinery, and wall thickness defined by process constraints.

Process:

Behavioral Observation

Observed multiple sessions, documenting how children toddlers, and adults interacted with the existing bench and surrounding environment.

Pattern Identification

Analyzed recurring behaviors and instinctive interactions with surfaces, edges, and heights to identify transferable play patterns for the new design.

Criteria Definition

Translated behavioral insights and client requirements into a prioritized set of design criteria.

Design Definition

Developed a solution addressing multi-user ergonomics, play functionality, spacial constraints, and large-scale 3D printing requirements.

Grant Support

Supporting the client in applying for manufacturing grants, bridging design completion and production readiness.

Results:

Translated behavioral insights into a clearly defined design direction, replacing assumption-driven decisions with research-backed criteria.
Delivered a finalized, client-approved solution optimized for additive manufacturing (design details under NDA).
Contributing to next-stage production by supporting funding and grant strategy.

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