A Design Case Study for the Development of Water Dispenser for Pets Based on User-Centered Design:Focused on the Pet Industry in China

Abstract

The pet market in China is growing rapidly, and the trend of sophisticated pet care is obvious. This trend has given rise to multiple market segments in the pet consumer market, among which water dispenser for pets have become an important product. Chinese pet brands have serious concerns on the water quality, but user research shows users are still concerned about the high number of micro-organisms and bacteria that may be present in the water. This study adopts an integrated design approach, user-centered design, combining research on users and markets. The market research mainly analyzes the global trends and development of the market of water dispenser for pets, as well as the improvements and innovations in water quality of well-known domestic and foreign brands. User research collects Chinese pet owners’ needs and concerns about pet water dispensers through questionnaires and interviews. Based on the results of market research and user research, combined with market trends and user behavior analysis, we proposed a smart water dispenser with a purified sewage separation system. Water contaminated by pets will be discharged into the waste water tank, ensuring that pets always have access to pure water. The design methodology proposed in this study can help designers respond to changing user needs and contribute to the continued growth of China's pet water dispenser market.