Abstract
Equine air transport poses significant health, and welfare risks due to stress and environmental factors. Current systems lack proactive solutions, leading to preventable health issues like Shipping Fever (SF) and poor service experiences. Design Challenge: This research explores how Product-Service System Design (PSSD) can mitigate common transport challenges, enhance stakeholder experiences, and reposition the Horse-Owner Alliance (HOA) as a key player. Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, the study examined system, service, and product levels, integrating UX/UI, product design, and PSSD methods, alongside elements of System Design. Prototypes—including a smart stall and a wearable halter—were tested in real-world settings. Results: The study developed an integrated monitoring system, combining physiological tracking, environmental sensing, and SF risk prediction. These innovations enable real-time monitoring, proactive risk management, and greater HOA involvement, ultimately improving equine welfare and service quality.
Keywords
Equine Air Transport; Equine Welfare; Shipping Fever; Proactive Health Monitoring; Stakeholder Empowerment.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/servdes2025.60
Citation
Trapani, P.M., Ma, K.,and Mo, J.(2025) Redesigning Equine Air Transport: A Product-Service System to Empower the Horse-Owner Alliance, in Mahamuni, R., Onkar, P. (eds.), ServDes 2025: Empowering Diversity, Nurturing Lasting Impact, 6–10 October, Hyderabad, India. https://doi.org/10.21606/servdes2025.60
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Redesigning Equine Air Transport: A Product-Service System to Empower the Horse-Owner Alliance
Equine air transport poses significant health, and welfare risks due to stress and environmental factors. Current systems lack proactive solutions, leading to preventable health issues like Shipping Fever (SF) and poor service experiences. Design Challenge: This research explores how Product-Service System Design (PSSD) can mitigate common transport challenges, enhance stakeholder experiences, and reposition the Horse-Owner Alliance (HOA) as a key player. Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, the study examined system, service, and product levels, integrating UX/UI, product design, and PSSD methods, alongside elements of System Design. Prototypes—including a smart stall and a wearable halter—were tested in real-world settings. Results: The study developed an integrated monitoring system, combining physiological tracking, environmental sensing, and SF risk prediction. These innovations enable real-time monitoring, proactive risk management, and greater HOA involvement, ultimately improving equine welfare and service quality.