Walk Me 狗繩 by Hi Jac is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2023 A' Design Award 銅獎 in 可持續產品設計 Competition Category.

銅可持續產品· 2023

Walk Me 狗繩

by Hi Jac

Client: Hi Jac

A' Design Award 銅獎 Winner in 可持續產品 Category

32,199

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #142064

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Walk Me 狗繩

手柄光滑但堅硬；它的輪廓為人的手創造了符合人體工學的舒適握持，但也可以舒適地包裹在人的手腕或手臂上。由於手柄是剛性的，因此不會收縮，因此狗拉動時產生的任何張力都不會擠壓人的手（這是傳統環手柄狗皮帶的設計缺陷）。每個手柄都有獨特的手柄圖案（斑點、斑點和漩渦顏色），因為它們是在手工成型和烘烤過程中形成的。手柄和繩子由 100% 消費後塑膠製成。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銅獎

Walk Me 狗繩是 A' Design Award 銅獎得主，這是授予以創造力、獨創性和敏銳見長的傑出設計的極具聲望的認可。銅獎得主是技藝嫻熟、創意驚人的作品，印證了其設計師豐富的經驗、想像力與機智。預計Walk Me 狗繩將成為一件備受推崇、令人欽佩且被珍愛的物品，兼具顯著的專業性與創新性。這件贏得 A' Design Award 銅獎的設計融入藝術、科學、設計和技術領域的最佳實踐，並因注重細節而出類拔萃。Walk Me 狗繩出色地滿足需求，觸動渴望，迷住情感，並吸引好奇心。

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