Client

Rural Bird Feeder

Rural Bird Feeder

Duration

3 Months

3 Months

Date

Date

#

Design

#

Univeristy

Protecting Songbirds Through Design

Protecting Songbirds Through Design

For small birds, selectively preventing larger pests through a weight-senstive mechanism.

About the Project

Context and Opportunity

I identified a gap in the market for bird feeders that combine contemporary aesthetics with effective pest control. Many existing designs prioritise function but lack visual consideration, or fail to adequately prevent access from larger animals such as crows, magpies, pigeons, and squirrels.

Challanges

Design Approach

The project focuses on protecting food for small songbirds by restricting access to heavier pests. A weight-sensitive mechanism was developed as the core solution, allowing the feeder to respond dynamically when larger animals attempt to feed.

Summary

Iteration Exploration

Iteration Exploration

I explored a range of forms, styles, and textures through both hand sketching and CAD modelling. Exploded diagrams were used to better understand and communicate the internal mechanism, supporting the refinement of both function and form.

Methodology

BA(Hons)ProductDesigngraduatefromtheUniversityofEdinburgh

BA(Hons)ProductDesigngraduatefromtheUniversityofEdinburgh

Methodology

© 2026 Patrick Leach. All rights reserved.

© 2026 Patrick Leach. All rights reserved.

© 2026 Patrick Leach. All rights reserved.

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