OXO Pet Feeding Suite
Designing for every pet, every pet parent, and every home
OXO
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ClientOXO
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IndustryConsumer goods
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ServicesServices Industrial Design, Customer Research, Prototyping
Designing for both sides of the leash
When OXO saw an opportunity to bring its human-centered design philosophy to the pet category, it partnered with Smart Design to create a cohesive product line designed to grow over time. The move into pet would also allow them to expand into new retail channels, introducing more people to the OXO brand.
This presented a unique challenge for us, broadening how we think of user-centric experiences. Not only were the people buying the products a consideration, but so were the pets that would use them. Throughout the project, one principle guided every decision: good for pet, great for pet parent. That mindset led to products designed with flexibility built in.
Built for unpredictable pets
Research with both pets and vets informed the little details such as bowl materials, shapes, and feeding ergonomics that ensured the needs of pets were best met. Stable bowl geometry, non-slip functionality, and removable inserts support a range of feeding behaviors, from cautious eaters to food-motivated pets.
Healthier meal time
The slow feeder reduces eating speed without making mealtime frustrating. A snout-friendly rim and plastic-free food-contact surfaces support healthier eating for pets.
Adaptable to pets of all sizes
The elevated feeder offers multiple height options, allowing it to adapt to different pets and stages of life. The feeding mat can be used with or without elevation, depending on each pet’s needs.
Easy for pet parent
For pet parents, we considered both functional needs, like making products easy to use and clean, and the role they play within the home. Unlike competitors’ standalone products, OXO’s cohesive collection is designed as a modular system that can adapt as pet parents’ needs evolve. Products can stack, be discretely tucked away, or left out to blend seamlessly into the home. This created opportunities in retail channels that prioritize complete assortments, while still giving pet parents the flexibility to build their collection over time.
Home ready
The collection is designed to complement modern living spaces. OXO’s clean, functional design language keeps the products understated enough to stay on display without feeling out of place.
Easy to use
The food storage and treat dispensers simplify feeding routines with one-handed interactions and strategically placed touchpoints. Removable inserts make serving and cleanup easier while preventing food from getting stuck in the feeder or bowl.
From testing to real-world insight
While pet parents could share feedback directly, observing pets in real environments helped us understand their behaviors and preferences. Testing brought to life the vast ranges of pet behaviors, with some pets being enthusiastic and messy eaters while others more skittish or careful. Rather than designing for the extremes, we focused on versatility, creating products that are robust enough to handle real-world pet behaviors while remaining easy to use and live with.
System that gets better with each new piece
The result is a flexible collection that grows with both pets and their owners. Rather than creating products that solve only one problem, the system adapts as behaviors and needs change, helping extend the life of each product and reducing the chance it will be replaced or discarded.
In a category crowded with disconnected, low-cost products, OXO demonstrates that pet care can benefit from the same thoughtful, user-centered design that has shaped its ethos. By designing for both the pet and the person caring for them, the collection creates better experiences for everyone involved.