Hannah MacFarlane

Hi, I’m Hannah! My favourite part of the design process is finding the user's root problem and using this insight to design a solution that improves lives. I enjoy a variety of artistic hobbies and started my post-secondary journey in engineering, so I like fact that design blends the creative and technical aspects of those interests.

Get In Touch

hmacfarl@gmail.com Share This Page

The Four Essential Pillars for Design Excellence

The four essential pillars encompass human-centric design approach and the understanding of full-bodied, three dimensional physical interaction of user, product and environment. The projects generate innovative solutions using research-driven, evidence-based designs which focus on the user experience.

Omnia portable workstation for horse grooming

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

Cleaning is easy with curved forms in the overall design

Click to enlarge

Enhancement of Human Lifestyle

Omnia’s highly customizable tack cart and locker let the user store large quantities of supplies while keeping everything visible and accessible.

The tack cart increases portability and provides a work station during the grooming and tacking process. Since cleanliness in a horse stable environment is a concern, Omnia is designed with smooth curves to make cleaning easy. The storage compartments feature slots in the bottom, so water can drain or debris can be shaken out.

Omnia cart enables customizable storage configurations

Click to enlarge

Extra space on locker and cart allow for storage expansion

Click to enlarge

Magnetic array locks provide strong hold for storage compartments

Click to enlarge

Human-Interaction & User-Centric Design

Omnia features modular storage containers, allowing users to organize and arrange their supplies as they prefer.

Omnia adapts to people with different quantities of supplies, with plenty of space to add containers. The need for supplies can vary by the day, so accessing and quickly exchanging cart storage containers is important. Magnetic array locks provide a very secure bond, while being easy to adjust by disengaging the magnetic connection with a simple twist.

Handle height adjustment accomodate user with different heights

Click to enlarge

Continuous magnetic surface allows lots of storage attachments

Click to enlarge

360 degree pivoting wheels allow for easy cart moving

Click to enlarge

Ergonomics & Human Factors Design

Omnia allows users to adapt the system for their comfort with various adjustability features.

Handle height options accommodate users of all sizes and the continuous metal strips allow for the placement of the Omnia storage containers and saddle rack wherever the user finds most comfortable. 360 degree rotating wheels allow users to navigate with the Omnia cart with ease. The larger wheel radius ensures smooth travel over rough terrain, easing strain on the user.

Biological based plastic and Canadian aluminum used for materials

Click to enlarge

Durable materials used to ensure long lifespan

Click to enlarge

Sustainability & Social Responsibility

Omnia uses recycled aluminum produced in Canada, which has low production emissions globally.

The body of the cart and attachments incorporate bio polyethylene, a non-toxic plant fibre sourced renewable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Omnia is assembled without adhesives, making recycling each piece easy. By using durable, long lasting materials, Omnia has a long product life and avoids being quickly discarded and replaced.

Project Summary

Horseback riding is a fulfilling personal hobby and horse grooming is essential for maintaining equine health and comfort. Horseback riders require many different types of gear, from horse tack to grooming tools and first aid supplies. In horse stables, contaminants like mud, dust, and horse waste pose health hazards. Since the current solutions for storage often leave products exposed and are too small to accommodate everything, clutter, disorganization, and dirty supplies are common. Omnia provides a modular, customizable solution. It protects people’s possessions and increases portability, ease of access, and organization, while providing a more ergonomic workflow during the horse grooming and tacking process. Omnia’s goal is to increase comfort, convenience, and enjoyment for the horseback riding community.