Bird feeding connects us to nature, but current feeders pose risks to bird health. Perch encourages regular cleaning and provide cues
that indicate contamination.
Perch
This bird feeder uses balance as both a function and a signal. When a bird perches, it levels to provide access to seeds; as waste builds and shifts the weight, it tips—cutting off access and prompting timely cleaning.
Duration:
7 Weeks, Fall 2023
Course:
Junior Product Studio
Problem Framing
Prototyping
Solidworks, Blender
Perch is a bird feeder that promotes healthier bird feeding
A play on balance
As birds perch, the feeder balances to grant access to seeds. Over time, waste builds up and shifts the weight - tipping the feeder out of balance to prevent further access.
Visualizing Dirtiness
A translucent body and gradual form shift make it easy to see when the feeder needs cleaning.
Made for Disassembly
Magnets and friction fits for quick, tool-free attachment and detachment—making it easy to refill seeds and clean out fomites.
Easy to Clean
With fewer parts and a more intuitive 2-body design, each section can be taken apart independently.
Story
1Bird feeding is like opening a restaurant.It demands dedication to learn the details, prepare offerings, ensure a balanced diet, and maintain a clean, inviting space.
2We open this restaurant for many reasons.Bird feeding has been an enduring tradition that connects us to nature, providing joy and a sense of purpose.
3But this restraunt is filled with tainted tables...How can we preserve this centuries-old tradition while making it safer for the birds we cherish?
Design Goal
Scientifically
I focused on improving three areas: collecting fomites (infectious materials), making the feeder easier to clean, and encourage user to clean more.Emotionally
Opening this "bird restaurant" is no easy task, and I want the design to honor that effort. Instead of taking away the responsibility of bird feeding, the product should provide guidance to help the user better care for the birds.
Development
1Current market productsMost bird feeders prioritize attracting more birds and blocking pests, often neglecting the risk of disease from overcrowding and contaminated surfaces.
2Form developmentI began with a mono-body design that redirected contaminants, but after learning from avian park staff that people often skip cleaning when refills aren’t needed, I shifted to a two-part design that encourages cleaning without removing the seed port.
3Form refinementInitially, the two-part system felt too bulky and heavy to hang. Its angular, geometric forms contrasted with the birds and obstructed the view. To address this, I began subtracting from the form and shifting toward something lighter and more organic.
4Form refinementThe resulting form took on a more leaf-like appearance. The bottom tray resembles a leaf gently enveloping the bird, tapering to a single point where contaminants can slide and accumulate. The top portion is shaped like a seed, reinforcing the organic language of the design.
5Rapid prototyping helped explore how to achieve balance in the feeder and test whether the weight of a finch could influence its equilibrium.
63D print prototypeRefined modeling to test magnetic fits, explore material options, and fine-tune balance.
Product
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