Doglu - dog tested, owner approved :) The Doglu is an intelligent dog bed designed as a results of a student project at Helsinki University of Technology (later part of Aalto University) This is the final flyer for our Product Development Project (http://pdp.fi/) in 07-08. I was project manager of a 9 member team that researched, designed, tested and prototyped a dog bed that adapts to a dog's needs. The project was sponsored by Laika Design. Team dog-e included Mikko "Kobra" Koskinen, Kaius Kovanen, Maija Pekkola, Joonas Hilli, Jouni Luoma, Mika Salmi, Tobias Zeeden and Anni Puolakka (graphic designer). Product photography by Eeva Anundi.

1. story doglu
®
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the idea behind our project early idea of a dog bed 1st prototype doglu
Project dog-e began with the We had an idea generation After a few months of research, We organised a focus group
desire to make a product that session and let our creativity idea and concept generation, interview with dog-owners
enhances dogs’ well-being, run wild. The original idea the team was ready to get their to discuss their needs and
that dog-owners will love was to make a smart mat hands dirty. We built our first preferences. Dog-owners liked
too. Originally the design that would react to the dog in prototype quickly, combining the idea of a good looking dog
brief called for a device that some ways and have a playful existing elements. The first dog bed that could act as a piece of
measures and improves dogs’ element. It could be a toy, a mat had a scale, a heating pad, furniture in the home and be
Doglu
health and well-being. Our training device or even a dance a radio and an air freshener! It versatile in use. We developed
sponsor company Laika-Design mat linked to the television. was meant to test the concept; several concepts, did some
gave us the freedom to develop We were inspired by the idea acting as a starting point for prototyping and choose the
the project in the direction our of making something new and technological development and “doglu” because it was unique,
skills and ideas took us. enjoyable for dogs. a tangible talking piece. attractive and adaptable.

2. hello,
we’re dog-e, nine students dedi-
cated to making dogs and their
owners happier.
dog-e is a multidisciplinary prod-
uct development project (PDP)
assigned by the sponsor company
Laika-Design and conducted at the
Helsinki University of Technology.
The year-long project course is an
opportunity for students to test
their skills in practice, to design
and build a working prototype. Our
team consists of students majoring
in engineering, design, business
and cognitive science.
Laika-Design is a Helsinki-based
textile design company formed
during the spring of 2007 by three
friends who wanted to create
products and services to meet dog-
owners needs.
X A U O
The X-position gives the dog Dogs want to feel secure – Some dogs and owners like Dogs like to have their own
two different levels to spend they often rest under the more traditional beds. The personal space. The doglu
time on. The top level is a table or a sofa. In the A-posi- doglu in the U-position re- in the O-position acts like an
great spot to follow the ac- tion the doglu is a cosy place sembles a conventional dog indoor doghouse. The door-
tion from. The bottom level to bury into. The owner can basket. The non-slip pads on way is big enough to allow
can be used as a nest or a use it as a footrest or seat. the bottom ensure it stays in dogs to follow what is going
storage space. The mattress place and the mattress is a on around them. The round
can be placed on either level comfy place to relax. shape makes a good-looking
and magnets keep the doglu interior element.
pieces firmly connected.