Lucallian
My Role
Within Lucallian, I collaborated with my partner throughout the design process, starting with research and continuing through service concept development.
UX Research
Concept Development
User Interface Design
Wireframing/Prototyping/Testing
Branding
Industrial Design Development
Project Management
My Main Challenge
Finding a suitable riding saddle is challenging because neither generic nor customized options guarantee that the necessary measurements and biomechanics of both the rider and horse are considered. Manual procedure is unreliable due to the lack of standards and high expenses.
Gender differences in rider biomechanics are often overlooked in saddle design, resulting in back pain and health issues for female riders and limited saddle options compared to male riders.
Users
Our users are professional and hobby riders who prioritize health-centered saddles. Professional riders need durable, customisable, easy-to-clean saddles for enhanced performance and frequent use.
Hobby riders seek ergonomic saddles to alleviate back pain and improve posture, prioritizing comfort and the health of their horses. Both user types value balance feedback and require an easy-to-use tool due to varying levels of tech familiarity.
Product
Our Solution
We developed a comprehensive service for equestrians needing customized saddle fits. Our solution streamlines the saddle fitting process, enhancing comfort and health for both riders and horses. Our project focused on three main objectives:
1
Comprehensive Research-based
Fitting System
After conducting a comrehensive desk and field research, we gathered enough data and knowledge to develop our own measurement system for rider and horse for achieving an anatomically tailored fit. We took into account all the details and measurement points that usually are overlooked by saddle makers.
2
Saddle-Tree Design
Designing a saddle tree that incorporates these measurements, combining mass-produced generic components with personalized, gender-specific adjustments. This ensures a tailored, long-lasting fit, especially for female riders.
3
Saddle-fitting Application
Creating an app that guides users through the saddle fitting process using scan and measurement technology. Riders can independently input their and their horse’s data, ensuring a precise fit.
1
Research
Desk research
Field research
Interviews with industry experts
Interview with riders
Interview with saddle-makers
2
Concept Development
Creating Rider Personas
Creating Rider Journey
Creating Rider Journey
3
Measurement System
utilizing AR scanning and Lidar technology to capture precise anatomical data of both rider and horse.
4
Saddle Design
Prototype Testing
Model Developmnet
Research Phase Kick-Off
Knowledge Intense Research
During the knowledge-intensive research stage, we conducted thorough desk and field research to understand the intricacies of saddle fitting and design. This involved:
Equine Anatomy Relative to Measurements & Saddle Fit: We studied the anatomical structures of horses and how they impact saddle fit, emphasizing the importance of precise measurements.
Fit-Related Differences in Female’s & Male’s Pelvis Biomechanics:
We analyzed the biomechanical differences between male and female riders, focusing on how these differences affect saddle design and fit.
User Research
Interviews
Riders
Saddle makers
Veterinarians
Chiropractics
Horse-tech companies
AR specialists
As the project recuired specific knowlegde in different areas, we split our interview partners into six target groups, each of them covering specific range of questions. For each group we developed separate Interview Guides.
Overall, the interviews highlighted the importance of precise measurements, the challenges of fitting saddles to different horses, the need for rider and horse feedback, and the potential of advanced technologies like NeRF for saddle fitting applications.
Defining User Profile
Rider Persona
User Journey
After conducting the interviews, our user group was divided into two main categories: professional riders and hobby riders.
During development, we discovered that our main audience would be hobby riders above thirty-five years old, as they have a greater concern for long-term health conditions and prioritize health-centered equipment for themselves and their horses. These insights shaped our assumptions and influenced our approach moving forward.
Key Findings
We discovered that health issues were the primary motivation for users to order a Lucallian saddle. Additionally, we recognized that users had concerns about technology unfamiliarity and a lack of trust in the traditional equestrian industry.
Furthermore, we identified that users need to feel supported during the process, and the interface and flow should be easy to understand to gain trust. We also identified that clear expectations, instructions, and introductions to the process are essential for users to continue with the ordering process via the application.
User Research
Competetive Analysis
Saddle fitting & measurement systems
Equine Data Collecting Projects
Saddle Design & Fitting
After examining and testing different projects and applications, we came to the conclusion that there is no project that closely resembles the concept we have envisioned, so we focused on specific parts of different projects that would resonate with our concept.
We identified a trend among most of the saddle-fitting devices we looked at: they were mainly used to check if the already made saddle would fit the horse and to determine what adjustments could be made. Additionally, most of the devices just provide an outlook on a horse’s back, but not ready-to-implement measuremnets.
Research Phase Kick-Off
Field Research
Our field research involved direct interactions with industry experts, professional and hobby riders, and visits to saddleries and equestrian events.
We attended the SPOGA 2023 expo and the White Turf races to observe the latest innovations and gather feedback from riders. These interactions highlighted the need for precise measurements and customization, the importance of addressing gender-specific biomechanics, and the challenges faced by riders in achieving a proper saddle fit.
We also conducted practical experiments using Lidar and NeRF technologies to scan horses and riders, refining our approach based on real-world data. This hands-on research validated our concepts and informed the development of our user-centered, technology-driven saddle fitting solution.
Research Phase Kick-Off
Application Development
Information Architecture
User Flow
Branding
We have conducted on site interviews with people representing the main departments (we call them initiatives) of the company. The objective was to get to know better the specific community each department were adressing their messages to.
We have conducted on site interviews with people representing the main departments (we call them initiatives) of the company. The objective was to get to know better the specific community each department were adressing their messages to.
Development Proess
Research and Conceptualization
Anatomical Analysis
We began by studying the detailed anatomy of horses and riders, focusing on how different body structures impact saddle fit.
Gender-Specific Design Considerations
We incorporated insights on gender-specific biomechanics to ensure the saddle tree design would accommodate both male and female riders comfortably.
Development Proess
Measurement System Integration
Data Collection
We used Lidar and NeRF technologies to collect precise measurements of horses and riders, which informed the customization of the saddle tree.
Application Integration
Measurements from our mobile application were seamlessly integrated into the design process, ensuring each prototype was tailored to the specific anatomical data of the rider and horse.
Development Proess
Reflection
The development of the saddle tree design was a rigorous process involving in-depth research, iterative prototyping, and thorough testing.
By integrating advanced measurement technologies and focusing on user feedback, we created a saddle tree that meets the diverse needs of riders and horses, ensuring a comfortable and customized riding experience.
1
Flex Body
Our innovation lies within designing two separate systems for a saddle tree to be able to compromise less on the health of both sides, which is the case with many traditional saddles. Both systems are easy to manufacture and at the same time customize for different measurement sets.
2
The FlexFit Tree
provides an adaptive fit between the horse and rider and consists of the 3D CellPad, FlexBody, and FlexTree. T he FlexTree, comprising eleven pieces, including the gullet and Flex-Steel Struts, achieves weight distribution and flexibility. The AdaptPad is customizable with a padded cover made of sustainable leather and compartments for different types of cushioning materials such as gel pads, memory foam, and harder foam. Its configuration depends on the sport type and the rider’s inseam length.
3
3D CellPad
Another aspect we innovated on is equal weight distribution achieved by 3D CelPad which is designed to compensate rider’s tilt in any direction (defined by measurements taken). Additionally, the Flex Tree is designed to distribute the rider’s weight on the sides of the horse’s back and sides of withers. The bearing structure does not interfere with the horse’s spine and shoulder movement.
