Keni Li
© Keni Li


“When your cat feels anxious, stay close – I’ll sense it.”

COMFLY

Problem

The current context of pet transportation, especially by air, is fraught with challenges. Pets, particularly cats, often face high levels of stress due to unfamiliar environments, inadequate space, poor ventilation, and overstimulation from noise and movement.

Current methods of transporting cats by air

Current methods of transporting cats by air


Current methods of transporting cats by air

Current methods of transporting cats by air

Current methods of transporting cats by air

So how to make this 👆

Feel more like that 👇?

System Redesign

I redesigned the entire airport system to create a seamless and stress-free air travel experience for cats. The system includes a pre-flight app, a digital cat passport, VIP lounges for cats, and dedicated pick-up lounges at arrival. During the flight, real-time monitoring keeps owners and staff informed, while an under-seat design ensures the crate fits safely and comfortably. This system encourages full participation—from pet owners to staff—ensuring every part of the journey is thoughtfully connected and pet-focused.

Pre-Flight App

Cat Passport

Cat VIP Lounges

Cat Pick-Up Lounges

Real-Time Monitoring

Underneath Design

App design

COMFLY app provides everything users need throughout the pet transportation journey—product details, IATA regulations, airline recommendations, service provider options, airport trolley finder, and vet check access at the terminal. In case of an emergency, the app includes a built-in claim system to ensure accountability. Because it operates within a fully integrated system, no third-party platforms are involved, making it easier for users to protect their pets without switching between apps or services.

Concept Sketches

Just like humans have Economy, Business, First Class, and Premium Economy, I designed different crate tiers for cats to match their needs and travel conditions. Each tier offers varying levels of comfort, space, and features—allowing pet owners to choose the right option based on their cat’s sensitivity, health, and journey length, ensuring a more personalized and stress-free travel experience.

Premium container in cabin with camera

Trolley redesign

High-tech container in cargo with camera

Under seat container design with camera

The development of Comfly combines previous concepts and modifies details according to IATA guidelines and the pet's perspective.

Mock-ups were created using cardboard and foam to determine the product’s size and shape.

Then, an acrylic prototype was made to test its functionality in real life, which was trialed with two of my cats at home.

Exploded View & BOM

ANSYS Workbench FEA Simulation

Deformation under object load

Deformation under cat load

Deformation on the spacing bar

ANSYS was used to determine whether the designed container will be safe under possible critical load scenarios. Different load scenarios were simulated during the study. This analysis will focus on the deformation caused by the load.

Prensentation Model

Rendering details

— PROJECT NAME

COMFLY


— ROLE

Industrial Designer


— DATE

15/11/2023

As a cat owner, I wanted to bring my cat home—but after my friend’s cat passed away due to negligence during air travel, I realized how broken the system is. I heard too many similar stories with no accountability or support. That’s why I designed this project: to rethink pet air travel from the ground up and create a safer, more caring experience for both pets and their owners.