2024 Galleries

The Spark Gallery pages are one of our most popular design destinations, with thousands of visitors each year. Check out some of the latest Spark entries, in the galleries below.

Galleries // 2024 Spark:Spring Student // Steady-seatbelt inspired walking aid

Steady-seatbelt inspired walking aid

Entrant

Competition: Spark:Spring Student
Designer: Chaewon Lee - Steady-seatbelt inspired walking aid
Design Type: Concept
Company / Organization / School: Hongik university
Team Members: Jungmin Park

Older dogs are particularly susceptible to walking-related diseases, facing an increased risk of conditions such as disc issues, arthritis, and bone dislocation. Providing walking assistance for senior dogs is imperative. Despite the importance, existing dog walking aids often come with various limitations. In collaboration with Zurich University's veterinary department, we aimed to overcome these limitations. Steady, our innovative solution, is meticulously designed to prioritize the dog's autonomy, freedom of movement, and adaptability across diverse terrains. Drawing inspiration from a seat belt's structure, Steady is an electricity-free solution that provides support while allowing a flexible range of motion. In the event of an impact, vertically descending straps uphold the support, ensuring a secure and comfortable experience. To enhance Steady's capabilities, we integrated sensors that automatically measure and analyze the dog's walking data during walks. This feature enables inconspicuous detection of subtle joint issues in older dogs, offering valuable insights. Committed to enhancing the well-being of senior dogs, Steady goes beyond traditional walking aids. It not only prioritizes safety but also embraces the natural behaviors and needs of our aging canine companions. We support every senior dog’s ‘steady’ adventure.