A forward-thinking pet technology company approached Interwoven Design to transform their advanced pet safety technology into a smart dog wearable. The goal of the project was to create a stylish, functional, and durable harness that would seamlessly integrate with their proprietary technology to enhance pet safety and well-being. Interwoven Design’s role was to ensure that the soft goods design of the harness met both aesthetic and practical requirements while successfully embedding the technology.
Smart Dog Harness
What we did
- Design Research
- Competitive Analysis
- Concept Development
- Material Sourcing & Color
- Trend & Direction
- Soft Goods Design
- Prototyping
Product Description
The Smart Dog Harness features cutting-edge technology that allows dogs to run off leash. Targeted at tech-forward, outdoor-oriented pet owners, the harness is suited for medium to large-sized dogs, weighing between 40-85 lbs, with adjustable sizing to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. The soft goods design features a sleek, modern aesthetic and is made from durable, weather-resistant materials that ensure the technology remains safe in various environments. The harness is user-friendly, designed for quick donning and doffing with an intuitive buckle system, and offers additional features like seat-belt compatibility.
Design Process
Recognizing that both the dog and the owner are users of the product, the team created detailed customer personas for each group. These personas provided valuable insights into user behaviors, preferences, and pain points, guiding the development of design features, such as comfort, adjustability, and ease of use. The design team also conducted a competitive analysis of existing harnesses, focusing on their materials, features, and overall performance to better understand the market landscape and highlight potential areas for innovation. In addition to competitive and user research, the design team conducted an extensive landscape and patent survey, reviewing various dog harnesses, smart collars, and related products across different categories, including everyday, tactical, luxury, and smart harnesses.
Development & Branding
During development, the focus was on optimizing comfort, fit, and seamless technology integration. Key refinements included a seat belt-compatible back panel, custom-branded leash hardware, and a molded back piece for easy electronics removal. Interwoven Design assessed sample harnesses and conducted material research to ensure a balance of functionality and aesthetics.
Branding reinforced the harness’s futuristic, high-performance appeal, with vibrant colors and high-contrast details distinguishing it from traditional designs. Market research guided a custom color palette, aligning materials and trims for a cohesive look. By integrating branding with design and sourcing, the final product achieved both innovation and market appeal.
