The otitis problem
This is Tito. It is a dog ear protector for bathing that is aimed at people who love taking care of their little ones. Our goal was to design a product that was ergonomic and had iconic features. We also took care of the entire visual identity, including the naming, logo, packaging and graphic design. Four sizes were designed for Tito. We did this based on the anatomy of the ear canal of dogs and their different sizes. This way, it is possible to use the protector that best adapts ergonomically to the dog, whether it is small or giant. During the development phase, different sizes of protectors were tested with the help of veterinarians and four sizes were chosen for mini, small, large and giant dogs.
It helps protect the dog's ear canal from moisture and thus prevents inflammation such as otitis. Tito's conceptual basis is the idea of protection. To represent this, we chose to design its shapes bio-inspired by shells. In addition to evoking the feeling of protection, it reinforces the use of biomimicry in the project.
Design Challenge
The main challenge was to design a product that:
• Prevents water from entering the ear canal
• Adapts to different ear anatomies without causing discomfort
• Remains stable during bathing
• Is intuitive and non-invasive for both dogs and owners
• Prevents water from entering the ear canal
• Adapts to different ear anatomies without causing discomfort
• Remains stable during bathing
• Is intuitive and non-invasive for both dogs and owners
Design decisions were constrained by ergonomics, softness, ease of handling and animal well-being.
Bio-Inspired Design Approach
The project adopted a bio-inspired design approach based on the study of shell-like biological structures, which naturally combine flexibility, sealing and gradual deformation.
These principles informed:
• The layered geometry of the product
• The balance between rigidity and flexibility
• The gradual insertion logic, reducing discomfort
• The layered geometry of the product
• The balance between rigidity and flexibility
• The gradual insertion logic, reducing discomfort
Biomimicry was used as a design tool, guiding formal and functional decisions rather than serving as an aesthetic reference.
Prototyping & Development
Multiple physical prototypes were developed to explore:
• Form variation and insertion depth
• Material behavior and deformation
• Ergonomic handling for users
• Form variation and insertion depth
• Material behavior and deformation
• Ergonomic handling for users
Prototyping supported iterative refinement and validation of the bio-inspired logic applied to the product.
Outcome
• Conceptual physical product developed
• Bio-inspired principles successfully translated into form and function
• Design solution addressing a real usability and health-related problem
• Invention patent granted in 2025 (Brazilian Patent Office – INPI)
• Bio-inspired principles successfully translated into form and function
• Design solution addressing a real usability and health-related problem
• Invention patent granted in 2025 (Brazilian Patent Office – INPI)
Role
Industrial Designer
Responsibilities included:
• Research and biological reference analysis
• Concept development and formal exploration
• Prototyping and design refinement
• Visual communication of the design concept
• Research and biological reference analysis
• Concept development and formal exploration
• Prototyping and design refinement
• Visual communication of the design concept
Credits
Designers: Anderson Horta; Pedro Damas
Developed at Horta Design Studio
