2025

Design Awards Silver Winner - HERE Design Studio

PenguBuddy

Entrant Company

HERE Design Studio

Category

User Experience (UX) - Gamification UX (NEW)

Client's Name

Georgia Aquarium

Country / Region:

United States

PenguBuddy is an interactive health data tracking system designed to enhance the well-being of penguins while engaging keepers and visitors. The system integrates an underwater robot and a mobile app to monitor and analyze penguin behavior and health metrics in real time. Developed in collaboration with Georgia Aquarium and Georgia Tech’s Animal-Computer Interaction (ACI) Lab, the project aims to bridge technology and animal care, providing valuable insights for researchers and caretakers while creating an interactive educational experience for visitors.

Zoo penguins often experience mood and behavior changes due to environmental and habitual shifts, which can lead to depression, reduced appetite, and decreased activity. Through field research, we discovered that keepers use low-tech enrichment toys to support penguins’ mental well-being and primarily monitor their health through daily observations or annual checkups. However, these methods lack real-time tracking for individual penguins.

The design solution draws inspiration from penguins' natural play behaviors and environmental enrichment strategies. By leveraging robotic and AI technology, we created a system that not only tracks penguin activity data but also fosters engaging interactions between penguins and humans.

A key innovation is an underwater robot that serves as both an interactive toy and a data collection tool. Encouraging penguins to swim, it helps prevent physical and mental health issues while capturing acoustic data and video for monitoring. It also enhances visitor interaction with the animals. A companion mobile app allows visitors to control the robot, creating immersive interactions while offering educational content, conservation donation options, and penguin-themed merchandise. Additionally, a web platform enables keepers and researchers to track penguin health, monitor their environment, and receive AI-driven insights for improved care.

PenguBuddy significantly improves the quality of life for zoo penguins while offering visitors a unique and meaningful experience. By addressing both ethical and logistical challenges in animal care, this innovative solution has the potential to drive positive social impact in wildlife conservation and public engagement.

Credits

Lead UX Designer
Yuwei Li
UX Designer
Yuchuan Yu
UX Designer
Youyang Hao
UX Designer
Xinyue Ren
More Silver Winners
2025
Design Awards Winner - Etsu Nomaki - The Thinking Chair

Entrant Company

Etsu Nomaki

Category

Furniture - Seating & Comfort Furniture

Country / Region

United States

2025
Design Awards Winner - Jiazhao Shi, Chuanrui Li, Kuan Lu and Donghui Zhang - TechHerAI: AI-Driven Tools to Empower Women in Tech
Techherai Team

Entrant Company

Jiazhao Shi, Chuanrui Li, Kuan Lu and Donghui Zhang

Category

Digital, Electronic Devices & Accessories - Future Technologies

Country / Region

United States

2025
Design Awards Winner - Zhijun Song/ Yinan Chen - Whale Trails: AI-Powered Whale Sightings

Entrant Company

Zhijun Song/ Yinan Chen

Category

Conceptual - Interface & User Experience (NEW)

Country / Region

United States

2025
Design Awards Winner - SHIJIAZHUANG  HERBAL HEAVEN CULTURAL DECORATION CO.,LTD. - Flower Bag
SHIJIAZHUANG HERBAL HEAVEN CULTURAL DECORATION CO.,LTD.

Entrant Company

SHIJIAZHUANG HERBAL HEAVEN CULTURAL DECORATION CO.,LTD.

Category

Fashion & Lifestyle - Luggage & Bags

Country / Region

China