Bird Deterrent System
A group of entrepreneurs came to us with a simple problem: birds and gulls were treating boats in slips and on moorings as natural landing zones, leaving behind an unwanted mess. Inspired by the client’s observation that ribbons or lines stretched around the bow and stern could discourage birds from landing, I helped to develop a deployable system that mapped the key areas of the boat to determine where protection was needed and where the reels could be optimally mounted.
We initially explored concepts using multiple lines deployed from a single larger spool, but the system was ultimately refined into a smaller, more compact envelope with a single toggle for deployment. I also helped design the custom clip that connects the deterrent webbing back to itself, creating a quick connection that remains secure in high winds. The clip became one of my favorite parts of the project—a small piece of custom hardware that enabled the usability goals.