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Hero Vest
AWARD Runner Up, T- Minus 2026
SPONSOR Hero Labradors x Clear Path for Veterans
hero labradors provide trained service dogs to veterans at clear path
duration
Year
Jan 2025
type
4 days
role
team
Project Lead
T-Minus, annual Industrial design competition @ RIT
Jacob Schenerr, Ella Wieber, Anaanya Poddar
Lawrence Takken, and Jaimison Grimes
tools
Vizcom, Illustrator, Procreate, Photoshop
SPONSOR PROMPT:
In 4 days, design a vest, belt, or other tools that makes the experience of training a service dog more organised & efficient.
We ideated in directions such as multi-sectional storage areas in jackets,
accessories with material exploration, tech to track training progress, etc.
USER NEEDS
We interviewed 3 trainers present in our studio from Hero Labradors to understand their needs to choose a direction.
Key takeaways:
-
Places to keep their necessities like- leash, treats, ball, poo bags etc.
-
Lot of storage space without being bulky and heavy
-
Hood or face cover- good for training
-
Looks like regular clothes, able to take and put things in without distracting the dog- easy access to pockets
-
Easy to open and close pocket with minimal effort
How might we design a vest for service-dog trainers that keeps essential tools organized, secure, and easily accessible?
DESIGN
OBJECTIVES
Organize essentials through dedicated pockets
Improve the fit and comfort by making it adjustable and lightweight
Intentional pocket placement for quick access
Reduce dog distraction through quiet and neutral appearance.
QUICK IDEATION SKETCHES
Pencil sketches
by Anaanya
3 REFINED DIRECTIONS
1.
2.
lightweight hooded vest with organized front and back accessible pockets
padded
shoulder strap
3.
detachable side and
back modular pods
quick release
button
crossbody harness using modular pouches to store different needs for different sessions
detachable
hood
side and top
access pockets
removable silicon pocket inserts
foldable collar
a field jacket concealing training tools with discreet deep pockets
concealed
treat pockets
adjustable fit
Pencil sketches
by Anaanya
Edited in illustrator
by Jacob
FEEDBACK
Trainers preferred the vest because it distributed weight more equally
The jacket's discreetness and length was liked but it seemed to have slow access
The harness was dismissed compared to the vest
Redirection: Concept 1 + Concept 2
FINAL CONCEPT
The Hero Trainers Vest combines a lightweight, adjustable mesh base vest with a magnetically attached poncho.
The vest has 8 ergonomically placed side-access pockets for organized, one-handed access to training essentials.
6 pockets in the front
2 pockets in the back
The poncho is secured with 6 magnetic access points front and back. It conceals the storage system for a neutral appearance while preserving pocket access and integrating a leash attachment.
Hood was specifically wanted by the trainers.
We added a "invisible" hood that unfolds from the back of the collar.
It provides head cover while obscuring the wearers identity, which is a useful element while training.
The hood also connected to with strong magnetics so is detachable when not wanted or hidden.
Removable silicon inserts go into the mesh pockets.
They seal magnetically, allowing for easy cleaning while reducing sound and odor, preventing dog distraction.
Illustrator sketches by
Anaanya, Jacob , and Lawrence
PHYSICAL PROTOTYPE
The remaining team, Ella and Jamison, sewed a quick, rough, physical prototype with scrap fabric. It helped to convey the poncho covering the vest concept to the judges in our final presentation.
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