3. BACKGROUND
A healthy diet is a vital part of rehabilitating shelter animals.
Animals are stressed, lack exercise, and tend to gain weight in a shelter environment.
Food storage issues with in an animal shelter are linked with improper feeding,
contamination, and high costs.
The Berkeley East Bay Humane Society feels that their facility has in place a food storage
system with many short comings.
In 1927 three citizens, concerned about homeless animals in Alameda County,
formed the “Animal Rescue Haven.”
In 1957 the Animal Rescue Haven was renamed the Berkeley-East Bay Humane
Society.
The Berkeley East Bay Humane Society (BEBHS) is a private, nonprofit organization
with an animal shelter and veterinary hospital located in Berkeley, California.
Serving Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, and Marin Counties, the BEBHS offer
animal adoption services, canine training classes, humane education, and
animal care.
4. PROBLEM & PURPOSE
Statement of the Problem
Due to high costs and limited organizing
options the BEBHS lacks an efficient cat
and dog food storage system.
Purpose of the Study
To isolate the problems in the existing cat and
dog food storage system at the BEBHS
and determine the human factors, cost-
effective organizing solutions, and
environmentally sustainable materials in
order to develop a product solution with
improved function, ease of use, and
appeal to the widest range of people.
5. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study focuses on the human needs of shelter workers
that traditionally have been over looked in shelter
design.
By improving the function of the current food storage
method, the study will have a positive effect on the
shelter animals and the people who care for them.
By considering recycled materials for manufacturing, the
study shows concern for the environment and a
sustainable approach to product design.
6. Hypothesis 1
An easily usable measuring device for food distribution
will increase efficiency.
Hypothesis 2
Secure closing and easy to refill features will reduce food
contamination.
Hypothesis 3
Color and other indicators will help make feeding
information clear and food types visible.
Hypothesis 4
Materials for manufacturing can be recycled, recyclable,
low cost, and make the product more desirable.
8. USER’S SAID:
“Rotating the food, ensuring enough bins are available is a problem.”
“Our cat food bin is quite tall and the bags of food can be rather heavy.”
“Rotation of heavy items is difficult due to small space and construction of storage closets and shelves.”
“……scoopers regularly get lost in the buckets of food and you have to fish them out, if someone pours
food over them accidentally.”
“The food storage system, in general, seems to be a large attraction for rodents.”
“….we have so many varied types of food it is difficult to store them all in cheap, organized, rodent-proof
containers.”
“Dumping heavy bags into tall bins can be difficult. Plus, when the food is low, it's hard to get into the bin
to get the food out.”
9. USER’S SAID:
“Rotating the food, ensuring enough bins are available is a problem.”
“Our cat food bin is quite tall and the bags of food can be rather heavy.”
“Rotation of heavy items is difficult due to small space and construction of storage closets and shelves.”
“……scoopers regularly get lost in the buckets of food and you have to fish them out, if someone pours
food over them accidentally.”
“The food storage system, in general, seems to be a large attraction for rodents.”
“….we have so many varied types of food it is difficult to store them all in cheap, organized, rodent-proof
containers.”
“Dumping heavy bags into tall bins can be difficult. Plus, when the food is low, it's hard to get into the bin
to get the food out.”
10. USER’S SAID:
“Rotating the food, ensuring enough bins are available is a problem.”
“Our cat food bin is quite tall and the bags of food can be rather heavy.”
“Rotation of heavy items is difficult due to small space and construction of storage closets and shelves.”
“……scoopers regularly get lost in the buckets of food and you have to fish them out, if someone pours
food over them accidentally.”
“The food storage system, in general, seems to be a large attraction for rodents.”
“….we have so many varied types of food it is difficult to store them all in cheap, organized, rodent-proof
containers.”
“Dumping heavy bags into tall bins can be difficult. Plus, when the food is low, it's hard to get into the bin
to get the food out.”
11. USER’S SAID:
“Rotating the food, ensuring enough bins are available is a problem.”
“Our cat food bin is quite tall and the bags of food can be rather heavy.”
“Rotation of heavy items is difficult due to small space and construction of storage closets and shelves.”
“……scoopers regularly get lost in the buckets of food and you have to fish them out, if someone pours
food over them accidentally.”
“The food storage system, in general, seems to be a large attraction for rodents.”
“….we have so many varied types of food it is difficult to store them all in cheap, organized, rodent-proof
containers.”
“Dumping heavy bags into tall bins can be difficult. Plus, when the food is low, it's hard to get into the bin
to get the food out.”
12. USER’S SAID:
“Rotating the food, ensuring enough bins are available is a problem.”
“Our cat food bin is quite tall and the bags of food can be rather heavy.”
“Rotation of heavy items is difficult due to small space and construction of storage closets and shelves.”
“……scoopers regularly get lost in the buckets of food and you have to fish them out, if someone pours
food over them accidentally.”
“The food storage system, in general, seems to be a large attraction for rodents.”
“….we have so many varied types of food it is difficult to store them all in cheap, organized, rodent-proof
containers.”
“Dumping heavy bags into tall bins can be difficult. Plus, when the food is low, it's hard to get into the bin
to get the food out.”
13. USER’S SAID:
“Rotating the food, ensuring enough bins are available is a problem.”
“Our cat food bin is quite tall and the bags of food can be rather heavy.”
“Rotation of heavy items is difficult due to small space and construction of storage closets and shelves.”
“……scoopers regularly get lost in the buckets of food and you have to fish them out, if someone pours
food over them accidentally.”
“The food storage system, in general, seems to be a large attraction for rodents.”
“….we have so many varied types of food it is difficult to store them all in cheap, organized, rodent-proof
containers.”
“Dumping heavy bags into tall bins can be difficult. Plus, when the food is low, it's hard to get into the bin
to get the food out.”
14. USER’S SAID:
“Rotating the food, ensuring enough bins are available is a problem.”
“Our cat food bin is quite tall and the bags of food can be rather heavy.”
“Rotation of heavy items is difficult due to small space and construction of storage closets and shelves.”
“……scoopers regularly get lost in the buckets of food and you have to fish them out, if someone pours
food over them accidentally.”
“The food storage system, in general, seems to be a large attraction for rodents.”
“….we have so many varied types of food it is difficult to store them all in cheap, organized, rodent-proof
containers.”
“Dumping heavy bags into tall bins can be difficult. Plus, when the food is low, it's hard to get into the bin
to get the food out.”
15. Comparative Studies:
FACTORS OF A USER
User Tasks include: User Needs:
• Restocking food •Minimal grooves, seems, and parts are
•Organizing food preferable to reduce difficulty in cleaning.
• Measuring food
• Cleaning food containers • Materials must be durable, water-proof, and
• Following dietary requirements resistant to risk of harboring diseases.
Potential User Errors: •Parts should be inter-changeable; shelter
workers need to be able to ‘fix it themselves.’
•Forgetting to close a lid or bag
•Reaching and bending incorrectly •Cost-effective and affordable solution.
•Confusion caused by similarity in food bags
•Rotating food incorrectly causing food to go
stale and mold to build-up
16. Comparative Studies:
LIDS
• There is a Lack of easy to open, airtight lids.
• Lids loosen with routine opening/ closing.
• Loose lids have potential to attract rodents
and insects easily.
• Separate lids end up on the floor and
countertops taking up useful space.
• Unscrew lids are potentially damaging to the
wrist of the user because they are very hard to
open.
• Attached lids required a considerable amount
of strength to open, as well.
17. Comparative Studies:
FO OD ROTATION
• Current food storage systems do not provide
proper food rotation.
• Food left to long at the bottom of a bin is a
problem.
• Small containers offer food rotation, but
need constant refilling and are not practical.
18. Product Reviews:
DISPENSERS
• Dispensing reduces routine opening and
closing of lids that cause quick wear-and-tear.
• Dispensing eliminates manual scooping that
causes stress on a person’s back from
reaching as containers empty.
• A dispenser can be simple to operate and
designed to measure food in increments.
• A proper compartment size can be designed
to accommodate proper amounts of food a
shelter uses and needs.
19. Designer
Comparative Studies
Opportunity
Gap
Large Storage
Limited Storage
Conventional
20. PANEL OF EXPERTS
Alex Militar key informants at main site regarding
Operation Manager operational problems within the shelter,
BEBHS, Berkeley, CA feeding program guidelines, shelter
standards. Several interviews and
Marc Slater observational studies conducted.
Shelter Manager
BEBHS, Berkeley, CA
Key informant to gain access to the site.
Linda Gonzales Conducted comparative study at the
Shelters Manager Oakland shelter facility. Interview
Oakland – Tri-Valley , Dublin, CA addressed issues of pest problems, proper
food storage, and cost issues.
Key informant to gain access to the site.
Lisa Gunter Interview addressed issues concerned
Dog Attendant Supervisor with proper food storage and concerns
San Francisco, CA with limited space.
30. Problem 1:
The shelter buys food in bulk. It was upsetting to Holly to find
that after workers stock specialized foods, rodents had
gnawed a hole in the bottom of the bags overnight. Walking
HOLLY’S into the kitchen to find a puddle of kibble on the floor, and
SCENARIO have to discard it because it was contaminated, was like
paying for a bag of food twice.
Problem 2:
As Shelter Manager Holly had also been working with the staff
Holly so that all animals were getting a measured amount of the
right food. The single biggest cause of diarrhea in shelters is
• BEBHS Shelter
Operations Manager overfeeding. It was brought to her attention that visiting
• “It is my goal to make adopters were put off by the smell and mess among certain
sure that day-to-day
animals.
we are operating a safe
facility.” Problem Solved:
Testing new containers, she purchased several FOOD STUFF pet
food dispensers to store specialized foods. Holly finds the
containers affordable, she likes the unique, rodent resistant
shape, and with controlled dispensing, workers are better
Holly finds the containers affordable, she likes the at accurately portioning food. She has seen an immediate
unique, rodent resistant shape, and with reduction in food costs and volume of fecal matter– a fact
controlled dispensing, workers are better at particularly important to minimizing shelter waste.
accurately portioning food.
31. The Problem:
From time to time, Claude cleans out the steel bins and other
food containers that get greasy inside from regular use. It is a
CLAUDE’S physically demanding task and Claude takes the work load
SCENARIO upon himself since other workers are not able to do so
themselves. It seems almost impossible to clean around
every nook-and-cranny. Its not at all possible to wash out the
old steel bins with hot soap and water.
Problem Solved:
Claude
Claude notices new food dispensers in assorted colors. He
• BEBHS Kennel decides to clean the green one out before refilling. He likes
Attendant the round design that is equipped to suspend from the wall.
Without the weight of the food, he finds the container
• “It is my goal to extremely light weight. He is surprised by the strength and
uphold the shelter's thickness of the plastic.
responsibility to care
humanely for animals.” To clean is simple. Claude unscrews the cap and disassemble the
handle to lift the blade out of place. There are minimal
grooves and seems and Claude is able to slide the Blades
from its shaft and clean every nook-and-cranny. And, he
especially likes how the opening at the top and underside of
the container make air drying quick and easy.
There are minimal grooves and seems and Claude feels that his cleaning duties have been washed away.
Claude is able to slide the Blades from its With the comfort and ease of removing and replacing the
shaft and clean every Nook and Cranny. parts, he is assured other workers will be safe from any harm
once caused by cleaning heavy , hard to reach containers.
32. Dana volunteers at the BEBHS as a cat Socializer. Every Sunday, she
spends the afternoon with shelter cats and kittens in the Catopia.
Her main responsibility is giving them the love and attention they
need as they wait for a new home.
DANA’S The Problem:
SCENARIO Dana knows the morning routine of feeding can last all day. She is
aware of how confusing it can be with similar looking food bags and
food piled into the steel bin containers. Volunteers are always
invited to help out with this routine, but Dana prefers to assist in
other ways like providing helpful information to adopters.
Dana
However, on a particular Sunday the BEBHS is short staffed and Dana
decides that she will fill in to prepare meals. She is reminded of the
• BEBHS Volunteer
time she made the awful mistake of feeding Jimmy, a diabetic cat,
the wrong food. She had mistaken the packaging and has felt
• “It is my goal to horrible ever since Jimmy bloated up like a balloon.
make sure every
animal here knows Problem Solved:
that they are loved.” Dana notices new food dispensers in assorted colors. She is surprised
how uncluttered the feed room looks. She looks to the feeding
board, as she normally would, and quickly notices the reference of
each color container matching a special diet. Dana is confident she
knows exactly where to find the right prescription food. Containers
are color coded and the information can be found written on the
feeding board. She knows now that diabetic kibble is always in the
blue container.
For a volunteer who visits the shelter only once a week, Dana feels like
Dana is confident she knows exactly were to find she knows her way around the kitchen. She no longer feels as if she
has to hunt for food and scoops. She doesn’t have to worry about
the right specialized foods. Containers are color making a mistake and giving old Jimmy the wrong food again.
coded and the information can be found written Instead, she prepares meals quickly and correctly and has more
on the feeding board. time to provide shelter cats with the love they need.
33. Meeting environmental challenges:
Mary takes responsibility to find ways she can make shelter
work-life more environmentally friendly. Staff appreciate
MARY’ the small steps Mary has taken to produce the big,
SCENARIO
sustainable changes they have seen implemented
throughout the facility.
Mary finds the new food dispensers particularly cool since they
Mary
are made of 100% recycled plastic from recycled milk
• BEBHS Veterinarian containers known as HDPE (high-density Polyethelene).
• “It is my goal to She is ready to get the word out and tell all her friends.
provide the best
preventive healthcare
to animals living in the Mary is a well known veterinarian throughout the animal
shelter.”
welfare community. She is spreading the word about the
new FOOD STUFF pet food dispensers. She is informing her
colleagues that the BEBHS has tested the safety of the
containers and not only are they manufactured to meet
FDA regulations for food contact, FOOD STUFF containers
Mary finds the new food dispensers particularly are BPA (Bisphenol-A) free.
cool since they are made of 100% recycled plastic
from recycled milk containers known as HDPE.
34. DESIGN GUIDE
Design Solution
Safe and easy to use, with user–centered features to meet the immediate needs of
shelter workers. This pet food storage system aims to prevent food
contamination and keep food fresh for longer periods of time.
Reasons why the BEBHS should Pursue this product
FOOD STUFF offers controlled dispensing and feeding color system options as simple
solutions to organizing and safely storing a variety of specialized pet foods
within an animal shelter.
35. DESIGN GUIDE
Design Objectives
Controlled dispensing will reduce wear-and-tear on container lids that would normally
require routine, daily opening and closing to access food.
User will have freedom to interchange parts and create a color system that corresponds
with behavioral and feeding needs.
Components should be:
Airtight
Pest proof
Light weight
Simple to maintain
Comfortable to use
Modular
Criteria
The 7 Principles of Universal Design will be followed to evaluate the development of
human factor features.
U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine nutritional feeding protocol will be followed to
ensure product is safe for pet food contact.
Cradle-to-Cradle Design Protocols will be used to access product eco-effeciency.
36. DESIGN GUIDE
User & Environmental need it fulfills
Funding
Especially in the non-profit sector, purchasing decisions are slow, spending is often
restricted so, the market price must be affordable.
Space
Struggling with limited room for sufficient size bins is common. Maintaining several
different food storage locations throughout a shelter is a reality.
Kitchen
A facility may have up to three separate kitchens where workers prepare food.
Hospital
Sick and injured animals under constant veterinary care are fed in an infirmary.
Quarantine
Animals that have been exposed to contagious or infectious diseases are fed in
detainment.
Animal Population
Animal census widely varies from shelter-to-shelter and animals range in size.
37. DESIGN GUIDE
Feature Specification
Taking into consideration user frustrations, features are designed with improved function, usability,
and durability. System components are ergonomics and have a modern appeal. Container is available
in different colors to meet needs of changing shelter population. Parts disassemble to clean and air dry
quickly, a fact very important to shelter workers.
Features parts include:
• Lid, deflector, container, magnetic wall bracket, cap, blades, shaft, tap.
• Attached, airtight lid that swings side-to-side when refilling and can be detached when it is time
to clean.
• Inside deflector to better distribute weight of 25 lbs. of food.
• 1/8” thick round plastic shell with magnetic backing.
• Magnetic wall bracket to hold container that requires secure mounting.
• Removable blades (4) to provide accurate measured portioning.
• Rotating tap moves in either direction that is most comfortable to the user.
38. DESIGN GUIDE
Risk Factors
• Components are not rigid enough and may break easily.
• Recycled materials are not safe for food contact.
• Manufacturing processes negatively impact the environment.
• Difficult to store more than one container side-by-side.
• Rotating tap does not measure food in proper increments.
41. PRELIMANARY REFINED SKETCHES:
USER FEEDBACK
TOP
Should consider
screw like blade for
dispensing.
RIGHT FRONT
Deflector for reducing Modification of backing not an ‘L’, but
weight of food on rather ‘Z’ shaped to hold weight. better.
blade.
42. USER FEEDBACK
“Will the blade jam from weight of 50 lbs. of food resting on top of it?
“My only concern is trying to store several containers side-by-side?”
“Pleasing design , but would like to have option to see when food is low, better
visibility to know when to refill.”
“Really like that blades come apart for easy cleaning, but rigid materials may
break easily and should be simple to replace.”
“It might be a good idea to think through options for lowering to make more
ergonomic for workers when refilling.”
43. USER FEEDBACK
“Will the blade jam from weight of 50 lbs. of food resting on top of it?
“My only concern is trying to store several containers side-by-side?”
“Pleasing design , but would like to have option to see when food is low, better
visibility to know when to refill.”
“Really like that blades come apart for easy cleaning, but rigid materials may
break easily and should be simple to replace.”
“It might be a good idea to think through options for lowering to make more
ergonomic for workers when refilling.”
44. USER FEEDBACK
“Will the blade jam from weight of 50 lbs. of food resting on top of it?
“My only concern is trying to store several containers side-by-side?”
“Pleasing design , but would like to have option to see when food is low, better
visibility to know when to refill.”
“Really like that blades come apart for easy cleaning, but rigid materials may
break easily and should be simple to replace.”
“It might be a good idea to think through options for lowering to make more
ergonomic for workers when refilling.”
45. USER FEEDBACK
“Will the blade jam from weight of 50 lbs. of food resting on top of it?
“My only concern is trying to store several containers side-by-side?”
“Pleasing design , but would like to have option to see when food is low, better
visibility to know when to refill.”
“Really like that blades come apart for easy cleaning, but rigid materials may
break easily and should be simple to replace.”
“It might be a good idea to think through options for lowering to make more
ergonomic for workers when refilling.”
46. USER FEEDBACK
“Will the blade jam from weight of 50 lbs. of food resting on top of it?
“My only concern is trying to store several containers side-by-side?”
“Pleasing design , but would like to have option to see when food is low, better
visibility to know when to refill.”
“Really like that blades come apart for easy cleaning, but rigid materials may
break easily and should be simple to replace.”
“It might be a good idea to think through options for lowering to make more
ergonomic for workers when refilling.”
54. I N S T A L L AT I O N
•Magnetic Wall Bracket
must be mounted securely.
•Use appropriate fixings for
wall construction.
17 inches
•Spring toggle
recommended for shallow
wall.
55. W H AT’ S N E X T . . . . . . . .
•Locate manufacturer to produce a working prototype.
•Test prototype with end-users.
•Testing function of the blade.
•Testing weight capacity of deflector.
•Continued research of environmentally safe materials and
processes.
•Develop more sophisticated feeding color system.
•Incorporate tactile and sound sensory.
