catCove
Indigo Design Award and Core77 Design Award winning project to aide in the Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) method that is often used by cat colony volunteers to control feral cat populations in urban areas.
Role
UX/UI Designer
Tools
Adobe XD, Illustrator, Rhino 3D
Deliverables
App design, Product design & renders
Duration
10 weeks
Problem space
The challenge
In our research and interviews with colony caretakers, we found that the current TNR process uses outdated methods and tools. Caretakers often have to take measures into their own hands to improve the process, such as logging each cat that that have gone through the TNR process in journals and spreadsheets, or padding the wire cages so that the cats are more comfortable.
The main challenge we faced was tackling a digitally novel topic that doesn’t usually get a lot of love, nor attention. However, we were met with welcome arms from TNR and colony caretaker communities when we reached out for research and online interviews. In the designing process, we also had to keep in mind to balance all sorts of factors (comfort of caretaker, comfort of cats, affordable pricing, vet accessibility, and more).
How might we assist caretakers in caring for a large number of cats?
How might we balance the cats’ well-being and comfort?
How might we introduce standardization to the caretaker community?
Final design
Our approach
catCove is an ecosystem of products that focuses on the TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) process. TNR is the process of trapping feral cats to neuter or spay them to prevent them from reproducing and increasing their populations further. Our goal was to create a streamlined system for our users, so that they could easily plan and log their TNR process. The entire system consists of three components: a completely reimagined AI-enabled trap, a DIY kit, and a companion app.
Feature 1 – The catCove Trap
Designed with the caretaker and cat’s best interest in mind, the catCove trap incorporates a smart camera at the very back. Additionally, the trap features two accessibility drawers; one for food bowls and one for accessing the pad for cleaning. The top cover also folds off to reveal a wire under-cage, designed for convenient access for caretakers and vets.
Feature 2 – The DIY Kit
For the caretakers that already have their own traps, the DIY Kit alternative allows them to have access to the same AI features and mobile app as the full trap. While the main feature here is the smart camera, caretakers can choose to bundle the camera with cat-safe food bowls and a waterproof pad for their own traps.
Feature 3 – The App
The mobile app automates tracking, logging, trapping, and organizing with TNR groups. The catCove app wirelessly connects to the partner trap or trap attachment that the caretaker has. This allows the trap to notify the caretaker of any cats that are identified and if they are in need of any special care. Additionally, any cats that are captured by the trap are automatically added to a log for that colony. Caretakers can also work with teams and assign catCove equipment to members through the app.
