Background
Frequent wildfires in Australia have caused devastating ecological damage, leading to the death or displacement of billions of wild animals. Koalas, kangaroos, and other slow-moving species are especially vulnerable. Existing rescue tools (cloth bags, rigid cages) are heavy, non-standardized, and unsuitable for extreme wildfire conditions, often causing additional stress or injury to animals during transport.

Design Opportunity
To develop a modular, portable, and safe rescue box that enables efficient animal capture and transport in wildfire environments while improving animal welfare.

Research & Insights
·User research (firefighters, volunteers): carrying difficulties, unstable stacking, stressed animals.
·Market research: existing pet carriers are unsuitable for outdoor, high-intensity rescue.
·Key pain points: poor portability, fragile structures, size incompatibility, lack of comfort for animals.

Concept & Prototype
·Evolution: Foldable lightweight box → Portable modular rescue box → Full-scale prototype.
·Key features: Foldable and compact for easy storage
·Modular stacking with quick-release system
·GF25 PP + aluminum alloy for strength and heat resistance
·Dark green shell to reduce animal stress
·Ergonomic handles and cut-outs for safe carrying

Testing & Validation
·Simulations: drop test, water splash, heat soak, and animal scratching → confirmed stability and durability.
·Handling tests: stacking alignment and portability verified, though horizontal fixing requires improvement.

User Journey
1.Transport folded boxes to the fire scene
2.Carry and unfold boxes on-site
3.Place animals inside
4.Stack and transport loaded boxes to rescue base
5.Provide water and further care at transfer stations

Reflection & Next Steps
The project highlights challenges of designing for human-animal interaction in extreme environments, with portability, modularity, and safety as key priorities. Future improvements:

·Explore backpack-style carrying for hands-free transport
·Add adjustable partitions for different animal sizes
·Introduce faster open/lock systems
·Optimize weight balance and materials
·Provide training and portable aids for rescuers