Product design / UX design
Product design / UX design
2024
2024
Sheep Savvy
Supporting traditional hefting through smart collar & app design
Supporting traditional hefting through smart collar & app design
Smart support for hefting
Product design / UX design
2024
Sheep Savvy
Supporting traditional hefting through smart collar & app design
Smart support for hefting
Sheep Savvy: a wearable collar concept and companion grazing-management app.
Sheep Savvy: a wearable collar concept and companion grazing-management app.
Brief
Sheep Savvy explores a smart collar and companion app for Cumbria’s traditional hefting practices. I developed the wearable concept, app interface and an Arduino prototype exploring GPS, audio and vibration. The design aims to support flock monitoring and guidance; weather resistance, battery life and field reliability remain priorities for further testing.
TOOLS & TECHNOLOGIES
Arduino bench prototype · GPS, audio cues and timed vibration
TOOLS & TECHNOLOGIES
Arduino bench prototype · GPS, audio cues and timed vibration
Role
Research · Product design · UX/UI · Prototyping
Timeline
May–August 2024
Team
Individual project
Platform
Smart collar & companion mobile app
Role
Research · Product design · UX/UI · Prototyping
Timeline
May–August 2024
Team
Individual project
Platform
Smart collar & companion mobile app
Brief
Sheep Savvy explores a smart collar and companion app for Cumbria’s traditional hefting practices. I developed the wearable concept, app interface and an Arduino prototype exploring GPS, audio and vibration. The design aims to support flock monitoring and guidance; weather resistance, battery life and field reliability remain priorities for further testing.
TOOLS & TECHNOLOGIES
Arduino bench prototype · GPS, audio cues and timed vibration
Role
Research · Product design · UX/UI · Prototyping
Timeline
May–August 2024
Team
Individual project
Platform
Smart collar & companion mobile app
Background
In Cumbria, flocks learn their grazing territories over generations. This hill-farming tradition is known as hefting.
Background
In Cumbria, flocks learn their grazing territories over generations. This hill-farming tradition is known as hefting.
Original collage: grazing knowledge, biodiversity and Cumbria’s rural cultural identity.
Original collage: grazing knowledge, biodiversity and Cumbria’s rural cultural identity.
Challenges faced
Challenges faced
Environmental policies
Smaller flocks can weaken the continuity of hefting.
Smaller flocks can weaken the continuity of hefting.
Environmental policies
Conservation schemes can ask farmers to reduce flock sizes, creating tension between grazing management and the continuity of hefting.
The 2001 disease outbreak
Lost flocks interrupted inherited grazing knowledge.
Lost flocks interrupted inherited grazing knowledge.
The 2001 disease outbreak
The loss of Herdwick flocks interrupted inherited grazing knowledge. Replacement sheep had to learn the traditional territories again.
Declining Herdwick farms
Wool prices and changing land use put farms under pressure.
Wool prices and changing land use put farms under pressure.
Declining Herdwick farms
Falling wool value and changes in land use put pressure on farms and the landscapes that support this practice.
An ageing shepherding population
Fewer young shepherds put hefting at risk.
Fewer young shepherds put hefting at risk.
An ageing shepherding population
Fewer younger farmers are taking up shepherding, making it harder to pass local skills and hefting knowledge to the next generation.
Solution proposed
APP + PRODUCT
The collar explores GPS tracking and sound and vibration cues for virtual grazing boundaries. The app shows flock locations, grazing areas and alerts.
Solution proposed
APP + PRODUCT
The collar explores GPS tracking and sound and vibration cues for virtual grazing boundaries. The app shows flock locations, grazing areas and alerts.
The proposed system pairs an on-animal wearable with a shepherd-facing management app.
The proposed system pairs an on-animal wearable with a shepherd-facing management app.
Understanding hefting
Interviews
George
50 · Shepherd for 40 years
“These sheep know where they belong.”
Pain Points
Few young farmers
Economic pressure
Land lost to tourism
Sarah
43 · Fourth-generation farmer
“The land they know is changing.”
Pain Points
Climate change
Labour shortage
Heavy workload
Tom
60 · Retired shepherd
“It’s the people who are disappearing.”
Pain Points
Farms to holiday homes
Tourism damage
Limited support
Reading insights
BOOKS + INTERVIEWS
More than grazing
Hefting preserves inherited grazing knowledge.
Demanding conditions
Weather, terrain and finances create pressure.
Knowledge at risk
Fewer shepherds weaken knowledge transfer.
Preserve through support
Support tradition and shepherd judgement.
Questionnaire
Tradition and transfer
The report charts place strong value on hefting and show family tradition as the main route for passing it down.
62% rely on manual herding and close contact when older sheep are absent. 75% report difficulty learning territory without older guidance.
45% are open to technological assistance, 30% are reluctant or resistant, and 25% are undecided or unaware.
Field observation
Field observations connect the landscape with seasonal shepherding tasks and the flock’s learned behaviour.
Dry-stone boundaries
Land divisions for roundups.
Weather and shelter
Adapt grazing to the weather.
Sheep trods
Learnt grazing routes.
Learning across ages
Older sheep guide lambs.
Walls guide seasonal roundups.
Older sheep guide lambs.
Field observation
Boundaries and roundups
Weather and shelter
Learnt grazing paths
Older sheep guide lambs
Walls guide seasonal roundups.
Older sheep guide lambs.
Field observation
Boundaries and roundups
Weather and shelter
Learnt grazing paths
Older sheep guide lambs
Walls guide seasonal roundups.
Older sheep guide lambs.
Seasonal workflow
Seasonal routines connect the flock’s learned territories with shepherding tasks, from lambing to winter care.
Learning through the seasons
Learned territories develop through repeated routines, supported by observation, guidance and seasonal care.
Grazing context, shared by Tom.
Seasonal workflow
Seasonal routines connect the flock’s learned territories with shepherding tasks, from lambing to winter care.
Original report framework: spring → summer → autumn → winter, connecting sheep behaviour with shepherd responsibilities. Open the figure for full-size detail.
Spring
Lambing, ewe bonding and health checks.
Summer
Learning territories, monitoring grazing and shearing.
Autumn
Gathering the flock and preparing feed.
Winter
Feeding, shelter and emergency care.
Learning through the seasons
Learned territories develop through repeated routines, supported by observation, guidance and seasonal care.
Grazing context, shared by Tom.
Seasonal routines connect learned grazing territories with shepherd care.
The flock learns through seasonal routines and shepherd guidance.
Seasonal workflow
Seasonal routines connect learned grazing territories with shepherd care.
Grazing context, shared by Tom.
Seasonal workflow
Seasonal routines connect the flock’s learned territories with shepherding tasks, from lambing to winter care.
Original report framework: spring → summer → autumn → winter, connecting sheep behaviour with shepherd responsibilities. Open the figure for full-size detail.
Spring
Lambing, ewe bonding and health checks.
Summer
Learning territories, monitoring grazing and shearing.
Autumn
Gathering the flock and preparing feed.
Winter
Feeding, shelter and emergency care.
Learning through the seasons
Learned territories develop through repeated routines, supported by observation, guidance and seasonal care.
Grazing context, shared by Tom.
Seasonal routines connect learned grazing territories with shepherd care.
The flock learns through seasonal routines and shepherd guidance.
Seasonal workflow
The flock learns through seasonal routines and shepherd guidance.
Grazing context, shared by Tom.
Seasonal workflow
Seasonal routines connect the flock’s learned territories with shepherding tasks, from lambing to winter care.
Original report framework: spring → summer → autumn → winter, connecting sheep behaviour with shepherd responsibilities. Open the figure for full-size detail.
Spring
Lambing, ewe bonding and health checks.
Summer
Learning territories, monitoring grazing and shearing.
Autumn
Gathering the flock and preparing feed.
Winter
Feeding, shelter and emergency care.
Learning through the seasons
Learned territories develop through repeated routines, supported by observation, guidance and seasonal care.
Grazing context, shared by Tom.
Seasonal routines connect learned grazing territories with shepherd care.
The flock learns through seasonal routines and shepherd guidance.
Research synthesis
Research synthesis
Personas
Personas
Cumbria hill farming.
“Hefting is more than just moving sheep…”
Name:
Arthur McLeod
57 · Senior shepherd
Cautious about technology; aims to preserve hefting and mentor younger shepherds.
Needs: preserve local knowledge and mentor younger shepherds.
Attitude towards technology
Cautious about technology; values inherited knowledge.
Goal for future hefting
Preserve hefting and mentor younger shepherds.
Cumbria hill farming.
“Hefting is more than just moving sheep…”
Name:
Arthur McLeod
57 · Senior shepherd
Needs: preserve local knowledge and mentor younger shepherds.
Attitude towards technology
Cautious about technology; values inherited knowledge.
Goal for future hefting
Preserve hefting and mentor younger shepherds.
Family farm, third generation.
“Hefting is a tradition that ties us.”
Name:
Jack Wilson
29 · Full-time shepherd
Open to practical tools; aims to pass family knowledge to the next generation.
Needs: pass on family knowledge with practical technology.
Attitude towards technology
Open to practical tools that respect tradition.
Goal for future hefting
Pass family knowledge to the next generation.
Family farm, third generation.
“Hefting is a tradition that ties us.”
Name:
Jack Wilson
29 · Full-time shepherd
Needs: pass on family knowledge with practical technology.
Attitude towards technology
Open to practical tools that respect tradition.
Goal for future hefting
Pass family knowledge to the next generation.
Card sorting
Card sorting
Integrated capabilities
Guidance & behavioural learning
Guided learning
Automation, health & seasonal care
Health and seasonal care
Shepherd interface & network
Shepherd tools and sharing
Potential improvements
Personalisation & AI learning
Personalisation and AI
Clearer interaction & wider monitoring
Clearer interaction and monitoring
Scaling, collaboration & shared data
Wider use and collaboration
Integrated capabilities
Guided learning
Health and seasonal care
Shepherd tools and sharing
Potential improvements
Personalisation and AI
Clearer interaction and monitoring
Wider use and collaboration
Research takeaway
Digital support should strengthen inherited knowledge and seasonal care while keeping shepherd judgement central.
Support inherited knowledge and seasonal care; keep shepherd judgement central.
Research takeaway
Support inherited knowledge and seasonal care; keep shepherd judgement central.
Design development
Design development
Initial design idea
Initial design idea
How can wearable guidance support hefting while keeping shepherd judgement central?
Wearable guidance for hefting, with shepherd judgement central.
Location tracking
Map familiar grazing territory.
Location tracking
Map familiar grazing territory.
System automation
Automation
Support boundary and health monitoring.
System automation
Support boundary and health monitoring.
Health monitoring
Notice unusual movement.
Health monitoring
Notice unusual movement.
Flock management
Share grazing maps.
Flock management
Share grazing maps.
Device & app
Device & app
Wearable fit
A curved, lightweight collar for outdoor wear.
Light collar for outdoor wear.
Wearable fit
A curved, lightweight collar for outdoor wear.
GPS tracking
Movement patterns help map familiar grazing territory.
GPS for grazing and movement.
GPS tracking
Movement patterns help map familiar grazing territory.
Sensory cues
Sound and vibration cues for boundaries.
Sound and vibration cues.
Sensory cues
Sound and vibration cues for boundaries.
App features
App features
Flock tracking
Behaviour monitoring
Behaviour
Guidance tools
Shared management
Shared maps
Health alerts
Seasonal adjustments
Seasonal care
App features
Flock tracking
Behaviour
Guidance tools
Shared management
Health alerts
Seasonal care
Sketch to product
Sketch to product
Design sketch
Design sketch
Hanging device
Impact risk
An exposed hanging unit needs protection.
Neck contact
The curved base explores a closer fit.
Attachment
The strap supports the unit at the neck.
Hanging form: impact and stability concerns.
Hanging form: impact and stability concerns.
Hanging device
Impact risk
An exposed hanging unit needs protection.
Neck contact
The curved base explores a closer fit.
Attachment
The strap supports the unit at the neck.
Hanging form: impact and stability concerns.
Fitted collar
Curved base
Follows the neck rather than hanging freely.
Buckle
Makes the strap easy to fasten and adjust.
Modular shell
The cover separates for component access.
Fitted form: curved contact and secure fastening.
Fitted form: curved contact and secure fastening.
Fitted collar
Curved base
Follows the neck rather than hanging freely.
Buckle
Makes the strap easy to fasten and adjust.
Modular shell
The cover separates for component access.
Fitted form: curved contact and secure fastening.
Product concept
Shell, electronics and sensors.
Curved collar and branded panel.
Concept visualisation of collar fit.
From hanging unit to fitted collar
The design moved from a hanging unit to a collar that follows the neck, addressing impact, stability and comfort. The final concept brings the curved housing, adjustable strap and modular assembly together with GPS monitoring and sensory guidance.
Product concept
STRUCTURE + FIT
Shell, electronics and sensors.
Curved collar and branded panel.
Concept visualisation of collar fit.
Components & assembly
From hanging unit to fitted collar
The design moved from a hanging unit to a collar that follows the neck, addressing impact, stability and comfort. The final concept brings the curved housing, adjustable strap and modular assembly together with GPS monitoring and sensory guidance.
Curved contact
The base follows the neck; a comfort pad separates the housing and wool.
Secure fitting
A buckle closes the strap, with the main unit arranged around the neck.
Modular access
The inner assembly can be opened for maintenance or component changes.
Fitted collar concept
A curved, adjustable collar with modular access and gentle guidance cues.
Curved base with a comfort pad.
Adjustable strap with a buckle.
Assembly opens for maintenance.
Product concept
Shell, electronics and sensors.
Curved collar and branded panel.
Concept visualisation of collar fit.
From hanging unit to fitted collar
The design moved from a hanging unit to a collar that follows the neck, addressing impact, stability and comfort. The final concept brings the curved housing, adjustable strap and modular assembly together with GPS monitoring and sensory guidance.
Product concept
STRUCTURE + FIT
Shell, electronics and sensors.
Curved collar and branded panel.
Concept visualisation of collar fit.
Components & assembly
From hanging unit to fitted collar
The design moved from a hanging unit to a collar that follows the neck, addressing impact, stability and comfort. The final concept brings the curved housing, adjustable strap and modular assembly together with GPS monitoring and sensory guidance.
Curved contact
The base follows the neck; a comfort pad separates the housing and wool.
Secure fitting
A buckle closes the strap, with the main unit arranged around the neck.
Modular access
The inner assembly can be opened for maintenance or component changes.
Fitted collar concept
A curved, adjustable collar with modular access and gentle guidance cues.
Curved base with a comfort pad.
Adjustable strap with a buckle.
Assembly opens for maintenance.
Product concept
Shell, electronics and sensors.
Curved collar and branded panel.
Concept visualisation of collar fit.
Fitted collar concept
A curved, adjustable collar with modular access and gentle guidance cues.
Product concept
STRUCTURE + FIT
Shell, electronics and sensors.
Curved collar and branded panel.
Concept visualisation of collar fit.
Components & assembly
From hanging unit to fitted collar
The design moved from a hanging unit to a collar that follows the neck, addressing impact, stability and comfort. The final concept brings the curved housing, adjustable strap and modular assembly together with GPS monitoring and sensory guidance.
Curved contact
The base follows the neck; a comfort pad separates the housing and wool.
Secure fitting
A buckle closes the strap, with the main unit arranged around the neck.
Modular access
The inner assembly can be opened for maintenance or component changes.
Fitted collar concept
A curved, adjustable collar with modular access and gentle guidance cues.
Curved base with a comfort pad.
Adjustable strap with a buckle.
Assembly opens for maintenance.
User flow
The proposed app links setup, flock familiarisation, monitoring and daily adjustment. One shared map supports boundary settings and live tracking.
1
Set up
SHEPHERD · APP · SHEEP
Record familiar voice cues and define grazing boundaries before introducing the collar to experienced sheep.
Shepherd
1. Hefting challenges
2. Initial setup
Start → Log in
Log in
Open the app.
Customise voice
Record familiar cues.
Flock tracking & alerts
Set boundaries
3
Monitor & manage
SHEPHERD · APP
Use the same map for live flock tracking, alongside paddock, health and collar views. Shared pastures support coordination.
Shepherd
6. Live flock monitoring
7. Network sharing
Tracking & management
Paddock management
Grazing areas and planned moves.
Health monitoring
Activity and health trends.
Collar status
Collar information and battery.
Settings
2
Sheep
3. Collar placement
4. Boundary familiarisation
5. Guidance training
Next: 3 · Monitor & manage — upper right
4
Review and adjust
8. Daily review
Review grazing, movement and health alerts, then adjust boundaries or familiar cues to suit the flock, seasonal changes and insights from nearby shepherds.
User flow
The proposed app links setup, flock familiarisation, monitoring and daily adjustment. One shared map supports boundary settings and live tracking.
1
Set up
SHEPHERD · APP · SHEEP
Record familiar voice cues and define grazing boundaries before introducing the collar to experienced sheep.
Shepherd
1. Hefting challenges
2. Initial setup
Start → Log in
Log in
Open the app.
Customise voice
Record familiar cues.
Flock tracking & alerts
Set boundaries
3
Monitor & manage
SHEPHERD · APP
Use the same map for live flock tracking, alongside paddock, health and collar views. Shared pastures support coordination.
Shepherd
6. Live flock monitoring
7. Network sharing
Tracking & management
Paddock management
Grazing areas and planned moves.
Health monitoring
Activity and health trends.
Collar status
Collar information and battery.
Settings
2
Sheep
3. Collar placement
4. Boundary familiarisation
5. Guidance training
Next: 3 · Monitor & manage — upper right
4
Review and adjust
8. Daily review
Review grazing, movement and health alerts, then adjust boundaries or familiar cues to suit the flock, seasonal changes and insights from nearby shepherds.
User flow
The proposed app links setup, flock familiarisation, monitoring and daily adjustment. One shared map supports boundary settings and live tracking.
1
Set up
SHEPHERD · APP · SHEEP
Record familiar voice cues and define grazing boundaries before introducing the collar to experienced sheep.
Shepherd
1. Hefting challenges
2. Initial setup
Start → Log in
Log in
Open the app.
Customise voice
Record familiar cues.
Flock tracking & alerts
Set boundaries
Settings
2
Sheep
3. Collar placement
4. Boundary familiarisation
5. Guidance training
3
Monitor & manage
SHEPHERD · APP
Use the same map for live flock tracking, alongside paddock, health and collar views. Shared pastures support coordination.
Shepherd
6. Live flock monitoring
7. Network sharing
Tracking & management
Paddock management
Grazing areas and planned moves.
Health monitoring
Activity and health trends.
Collar status
Collar information and battery.
4
Review and adjust
8. Daily review
Review grazing, movement and health alerts, then adjust boundaries or familiar cues to suit the flock, seasonal changes and insights from nearby shepherds.
Functional prototype
I assembled an Arduino bench prototype to explore GPS location, sound cues and timed vibration within the collar housing.
Assembling
1
Connect the audio module
2
Add the vibration motor
3
Program and test
4
Fit into the housing
Original circuit layout.
Core functions
GPS location
Read location and time data from the GPS module.
Sound cues
Play preloaded sound cues through an MP3 module.
Vibration cues
Run the motor at set intervals for tactile feedback.
Further refinement
Further work focuses on weather protection, battery life and adaptable cue sensitivity.
Functional prototype
I assembled an Arduino bench prototype to explore GPS location, sound cues and timed vibration within the collar housing.
Assembling
1
Connect the audio module
2
Add the vibration motor
3
Program and test
4
Fit into the housing
Original circuit layout.
Core functions
GPS location
Read location and time data from the GPS module.
Sound cues
Play preloaded sound cues through an MP3 module.
Vibration cues
Run the motor at set intervals for tactile feedback.
Further refinement
Further work focuses on weather protection, battery life and adaptable cue sensitivity.
Functional prototype
I assembled an Arduino bench prototype to explore GPS location, sound cues and timed vibration within the collar housing.
Assembling
1
Connect the audio module
2
Add the vibration motor
3
Program and test
4
Fit into the housing
Original circuit layout.
Core functions
GPS location
Read location and time data from the GPS module.
Sound cues
Play preloaded sound cues through an MP3 module.
Vibration cues
Run the motor at set intervals for tactile feedback.
Further refinement
Further work focuses on weather protection, battery life and adaptable cue sensitivity.
Feedback & refinement
SHEPHERD FEEDBACK · TOM WILKINSON
Tom valued tracking and alerts, but prioritised protection from mud and moisture, longer battery life and cue sensitivity suited to different terrain and flocks.
From first cues to routine use
USER JOURNEY
The proposed journey identifies boundary familiarisation as the key point for tuning cues and supporting the flock.
Areas to refine
Original five-phase journey study.
Disadvantages
Cue adaptation
Tune sensitivity for different terrain, sheep ages and flock behaviour.
Weather resistance
Strengthen protection against mud, rain and physical wear.
Power and upkeep
Test battery life, charging and maintenance needs in remote grazing areas.
Advantages
Flock overview
Location and boundary views could reduce routine checking on foot.
Consistent guidance
Sound and vibration offer repeatable cues for flock training.
Shared insight
Pasture, health and behaviour views could support more coordinated decisions.
Feedback & refinement
SHEPHERD FEEDBACK · TOM WILKINSON
Tom valued tracking and alerts, but prioritised protection from mud and moisture, longer battery life and cue sensitivity suited to different terrain and flocks.
From first cues to routine use
USER JOURNEY
The proposed journey identifies boundary familiarisation as the key point for tuning cues and supporting the flock.
Areas to refine
Condensed five-phase journey study.
Disadvantages
Cue adaptation
Tune sensitivity for different terrain, sheep ages and flock behaviour.
Weather resistance
Strengthen protection against mud, rain and physical wear.
Power and upkeep
Test battery life, charging and maintenance needs in remote grazing areas.
Advantages
Flock overview
Location and boundary views could reduce routine checking on foot.
Consistent guidance
Sound and vibration offer repeatable cues for flock training.
Shared insight
Pasture, health and behaviour views could support more coordinated decisions.
Feedback & refinement
SHEPHERD FEEDBACK · TOM WILKINSON
Tom valued tracking and alerts, but prioritised protection from mud and moisture, longer battery life and cue sensitivity suited to different terrain and flocks.
From first cues to routine use
USER JOURNEY
The proposed journey identifies boundary familiarisation as the key point for tuning cues and supporting the flock.
Areas to refine
Condensed five-phase journey study.
Disadvantages
Cue adaptation
Tune sensitivity for different terrain, sheep ages and flock behaviour.
Weather resistance
Strengthen protection against mud, rain and physical wear.
Power and upkeep
Test battery life, charging and maintenance needs in remote grazing areas.
Advantages
Flock overview
Location and boundary views could reduce routine checking on foot.
Consistent guidance
Sound and vibration offer repeatable cues for flock training.
Shared insight
Pasture, health and behaviour views could support more coordinated decisions.