Walk Me Hondeband by Hi Jac is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2023 A' Design Award in Brons in Volhoubare Produkte, Projekte en Groen Ontwerp Competition Category.

BronsVolhoubare Produk· 2023

Walk Me Hondeband

by Hi Jac

Client: Hi Jac

A' Design Award in Brons Winner in Volhoubare Produk Category

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Verified Award Winner
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Colors

The Design

About Walk Me Hondeband

Die handvatsel is glad maar styf; sy kontoere skep 'n ergonomiese, stewige greep vir die menslike hand, maar kan ook gemaklik om 'n mens se pols of arm draai. Aangesien die handvatsel styf is, sal dit nie saamtrek nie, so enige spanning van 'n hond wat trek, sal nie die mens se hand druk nie (wat 'n ontwerpfout in die konvensionele lushandvatsel-hondebande is). Die kenmerkende handvatselpatroon (vlekke, vlekke en kleursirkels) is individueel vir elke handvatsel aangesien hulle uniek gevorm word deur die praktiese giet- en bakproses. Die handvatsel en tou is gemaak van 100 persent na-verbruiker plastiek.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Brons

Walk Me Hondeband is 'n wenner van die A' Design Award in Brons, 'n hoogs prestigieuse erkenning wat toegeken word aan uitstaande ontwerpe wat gekenmerk word deur kreatiwiteit, vindingrykheid en skerpsinnigheid. Wenners in Brons is ruimskoots vaardige en opvallend kreatiewe artefakte wat die groot ervaring, verbeelding en vindingrykheid van hul ontwerpers bevestig. Daar word verwag dat Walk Me Hondeband 'n hoog aangeskrewe, bewonderde en gekoesterde voorwerp is wat merkwaardig professioneel en innoverend is. Hierdie ontwerp wat die A' Design Award in Brons gewen het, inkorporeer die beste praktyke in kuns, wetenskap, ontwerp en tegnologie en is uitstekend vanweë sy aandag aan detail. Walk Me Hondeband bevredig behoeftes pragtig, raak aan begeertes, bekoor gevoelens en spreek die nuuskierigheid aan.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Ergonomic design - the handle is smooth but rigid; its contours create a snug grip for the human hand but can also wrap comfortably around a human's wrist. The handle's rigidity absorbs any tension from a dog pulling, preventing the human's hand from squishing (a design flaw in the conventional loop handle dog leash).
Distinctive handle pattern - the splats, splotches and swirls of colour are individual to each handle as they form uniquely during the moulding and baking process.
Sustainability: The handle is made from 100% post-consumer plastic (shampoo & conditioner bottles). The rope is made from 100% R-pet.
Dimensions & Packaging: Leash Handle Dimension: 155mm X 330mm X 145mm
Leash Weight: 211g approx.
Standard Leash Length (including handle): 1.25m
Long Leash Length (including handle): 1.75m
Rope Breaking Force:285KG
Tags: Recycled, Sustainable, Circular, Pet, Eco, Dog, Dog Leash, Dog Lead, Plastic
Production Technology: The leash handle is made via compression moulding from 100% used plastic shampoo & conditioner bottles. The bottles are shredded and sorted by colour. The shreds are weighed according to our leash range of colour recipes and randomly sprinkled into the mould. The mould is baked and cooled before the handle is removed and trimmed by hand. The finished handles are connected to the leash rope (100% r-pet) and the carabiner by a knot each. The knots are sealed by flame to complete the process.
Design Challenge: Sustainability: Which machine and manufacturing method used 100% recycled plastic for the handle. The compression mould was the most labour-intensive, requiring more human interaction but resulted in the best aesthetic and form.
Design & Aesthetic: Our design heavily departs from the conventional dog lead. Many iterations were made to its shape, weight, size and colours recipes to ensure it was eye-catching yet practical and ergonomic, focusing on the humans' comfortable grip.
Research: Analyse existing dog leads on the market against ergonomics, aesthetics, practicality, sustainability and materiality criteria.
Test samples, interview dog owners on samples and our prototype.
3d print handle and iterate to better its form and function.
Test materials for leash rope and its connection to the handle/carabiner (knot, tie, fastener, other hardware).
Experiment with machines for handle manufacture and filling/baking process of mould to achieve the handle's pattern and rigidity.
Inspiration: The handle design was inspired by the limited sustainable dog leashes available on the market and the design limitations of the conventional dog leash - most have a flexible loop for the human hand to hold, and the human's hand gets squished when a dog pulls on the leash. The design was based on a knuckle duster as they contour to suit a human hand's comfortable but sturdy grip; then, we investigated plastic production methods and applied circular economy principles to complete the design.
Project Duration: The project started in September 2019 and finished in November 2020
Operation Flow: The handle design is one size fits all and encourages a firm human hand grip by wrapping your fingers over the contours placed at the top of the base of the handle. Once the human hand wraps around the handle base, the grip is snug. Any pulling from the dog does not contract the handle as it is rigid; hence the human hand grip is not disturbed and remains stable.
Patents: HI JAC Trademark No: 2118178 (2021) Andre Barks Charlie Meows Pty Ltd
HI JAC LOGO Trademark No: 2133033 (2021) Andre Barks Charlie Meows Pty Ltd
Play Nice with the Planet Trademark no: 2182702 (2022) Andre Barks Charlie Meows Pty Ltd
Handle Design Registration: 202014162 (2021) Andre Barks Charlie Meows Pty Ltd
Team Members: Designed by People & Things (product design) in Sydney, Australia