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 For the birds

One product for two types of users
wildlifegarden-birds
Client

Wildlife Garden

Project Goals

A good looking decoration and extra energy for small birds

My role

Product designer

Link to product

Decorative suet ball feeder

I had the privilege working with Wildlife Garden to visualise ideas and design products. In this case a gift that should suit their existing product range of home and garden decorations. 

Challenge

During the winter, small birds need extra energy and suet balls are the perfect source. The plastic netting that suet ball s are supplied in are not particularly decorative and they are not so good for the birds either. 

Design

A timeless geometric shape that you can hang from a tree. With a innovative way of folding the product for decreasing shipping cost. The packaging can also be used as a stand for display in shops.

The product can also be used as a tea light holder with the additional glass bowl.

I also illustrated the instructions on the case.

wildlifegarden-stars
©Wildlife Garden
wildlifegarden-star-light
©Wildlife Garden
wildlifegarden-birds-red
©Wildlife Garden
wildlifegarden-boxing
©Wildlife Garden

Research

With great ornithology expertise in house there was a lot of great knowledge to use. One of the challenges was to avoid the risk of birds getting stuck in the botton geometrical shape. The rings in the bottom act as protection and also avoiding the ball falling down to the ground when the size decrease.

The production, packaging and shipping planning was also a factor in the design decisions. 

Outcome

  • One of the most sold products
  • Within the price range of a good bottle of wine. 
  • The birds love it!

Lessons learned

  • Working with both humans and birds as "users" gives you fantastic perspective on design challenges.
  • 3D tools are really good but working with inexpensive material for prototyping is great.
  • Good protective surface coating is important.
  • Testing, testing and testing.