repitat

The Repitat is a smart ecosystem built to meet the needs of bearded dragons and reduce issues regarding misinformation, new ownerships, and downfalls from the pet industry.

inspired by problems in reptile care

Between 2020 and 2022, reptile ownership rose by 47%. Bearded Dragons were ranked the most popular.

Despite their popularity, there’s a huge gap between the proper care for bearded dragons and what is provided by the reptile industry, with direct consequences for the dragon’s physical and psychological well-being.

user research

Identify opportunities where design can close the gap between captive and natural living conditions

understand the user by understanding the Behavior

To better understand how dragons cope and express their state of being in captitivity, behavioral data was gathered through digital observation, primarily YouTube videos of captive bearded dragons in home enclosures and academic recordings.

enthograph of bearded dragon behavior

PET bearded dragon glass surfing

The comparative habitat highlights the gap between naturalistic and pet-industry standard terrariums

Comparing wild and captive habitats for bearded dragons

understand the owners

People treat their dragons in unique and creative ways. Dragons need fulfillment for their natural behaviors but not necessarily natural interior design. The species adaptability to new environments attributes to their attractiveness as a pet.

research Insight

Most current reptile tank standards do not align with the species environmental requirements.

I needed to create a tank design that gave dragons the freedom and conditions to be happy and gave owners the space to design and manage their dragons to their standards.

SOlution

A physical and digital solution to improving the quality of life of bearded dragons, Repitat is a tank that accommodates and digitally tracks the lighting and living conditions for a bearded dragon.

Sketches of Physical Interface

product

Repitat reduces first time errors in reptile care

Repitat is a tank that accommodates lighting, customizable space, separated UVB lighting, and a physical side panel to manage this information from outside your tank.

Light Section only fits UVB lights to ensure correct temperature in the tank, warm side and cool side for basking and rest.

Sliding Door allows the dragon to exit the tank without being handled, reducing agitation from constant handling

Air Tube stimulates water movement and reduces chances of dehydration

Bottom Drawer allows for owners to store supplies or act as a support for a lizard access ramp

The digital interface alerts owners of any major climate changes in the tank and a failsafe if any power outtages or accidents occurs.

Takeaways

Repitat is an animal research design project dedicated to improve the quality of life of bearded dragons in captivity.

What the Project Became Through research and modeling, the project addressed how, when it comes to animal products, animal-first design theory can improve the quality of experiences for both animal and owner alike.

reflection

Repitat was an opportunity to explore user experience research and design for a unique and underconsidered user group: animals. This experience allowed me to reconsider what is standard design and how designing for authenticity and empowerment can lead to innovative design systems.

Repitat