Pet Design

Course

Since 2021, data from various accredited sources such as FEDIAF (European Pet Food Federation) indicate an increase in the number of pets in the homes of Italians and Europeans. Euromonitor estimated the presence of 64.95 million animals in 2022, of which almost 19 million are dogs and cats (the latter now number more than 10 million). If we restrict the perimeter to the European Union alone, there will be more than 230 million pets. Given these numbers and the ethical issues involved, it seems obvious that spaces and products must also be designed with a view to improving the quality of the relationship between humans and pets.

The course in “Pet Design” is the first in Italy and in Europe to set this objective, to lay the conceptual foundations to create more inclusive environments by combining the care, comfort and wellbeing aspects of the hetero-specific system within built contexts. The AAES Hetero-Specific Environments and Furnishings© ™ method proposed by The HAD Human Animal Design studio is based on a systemic-relational approach. Here, the quality of the animal’s life becomes an expression of its system of relationships and the characteristics of the surrounding context, the design solutions are inspired by the principles of inclusiveness, relationship, well-being and design.

The course is divided into the following subject areas: design, veterinary medicine, zoo-anthropology, followed by a design part. Lectures and exercises are held on days and times that allow attendance even by those already working. Below are some of the topics hat will be covered.

• Design according to the principles of zoo-anthropology and holistic design
• Design according to the AAES Environment and Hetero-Specific© ™ approach
• Dog and cat perception and physiology, pet needs
• Introduction to Ethology and case studies on the relationship between environment and animal behaviour
• Case studies on designing for the needs of pets

Didactics

Attendance

Attendance at the course is 80% mandatory.

Training objectives

Acquiring basic knowledge and sensitivity in the field of Design for pets living in artificial environments (products, décor, spaces).

Acquiring basic knowledge and sensitivity of companies operating within the field or those which would like to create new products and services dedicated to pets, providing them with guidelines in order to create a unique and ethologically correct value proposition, as it would be oriented towards the well-being of the animals and their living system.

Acquire basic knowledge of the AAES method Straight Specific Environments and Furniture© ™ and design thinking method applied to the “user-centred” “relation-centred” “meaning-centred” project, with the purpose of defining intrinsic qualities of the product: interactional and relational and environmental (including materials, colours, finishes, using a holistic approach) as key factors to improve the pet’s well-being and its relation and cohabitation with humans.

Acquiring basic knowledge on relational and zoo-anthropological ethology, which will serve as a baseline to this course.

Didactic Plan

The course includes 2- or 4-hours teaching units for a total of 7 days.

Units are divided into theoretical frontal teaching and practical activities.

The lessons will be held in face-to-face or remote modality, according to the calendar.

In order to allow working people to attend, it has been decided to organise lectures and practical activities on Friday afternoon or Saturday.

Practice will be based on real case studies and will involve companies and professional who will be able to orient participants towards a context as closed as possible to the professional and working world.

Didactic Modules

The course consists of theoretical lectures and exercises for a total of 36 hours. In order to allow attendance also by people who are already working, teaching is provided on Friday afternoons or Saturdays.

The course is held in presence, with the possibility of attending it also via streaming. In this case, attendance is strongly recommended for the project modules and it is specified that in the case of online attendance there are no recordings nor activities/materials in asynchronous mode.

The exercises are based on real cases with the involvement of companies and professionals who are able to define a context as close as possible to the working and professional reality.

Title Released

For professionals in the sector or those wishing to work in the sector, the course provides basic knowledge and awareness of pet living design (products, furniture, spaces) within designed environments.

At the end of the Course participants will receive the open badge for the Pet Design Course from POLI.design

Admission

Requirements

The course is open to professionals in Product and Interior Design; Ethology and Animal well-being, R&D Pet Industry and Animal-Care businesses.

Admission to the course is subject to prior selection.

Applicants need to send the selection documents via the following link:

• Application for admission
• Copy of ID and fiscal code
• CV including brief description of professional profile

Deadline to send your application: September 10, 2024

Price

The total cost of the Course is € 1,300 + VAT 22 % for each student. This sum will be paid with a single payment upon signing the contract.

Early Bird – 10%
Send your application within June 30, 2024 to take advantage of the reduction -10%!
Deadline for sending the signed contract and payment of the participation fee: no later than July 7, 2024.

Attendance Benefits
Partial exemptions of 20% for the second employee enrolled in the same course.
Requirement to file the request: self-certification stating that the employees belong to the same company plus the required documents for the selection process.

Faculty