How we test new feeder features 🧡 🐾

Introduction

Testing new feeder features is part of our commitment at TailsPal to keep animals safe and make volunteering easier. Proper testing ensures updates work reliably in real conditions and do not create new problems for animals or people who care for them.

Overview of our testing process

• Define goals and success criteria for a new feature
• Run lab tests to check mechanics and electronics
• Conduct controlled trials in safe environments
• Deploy field prototypes and monitor real-world behavior
• Collect feedback from volunteers and local partners
• Fix issues and iterate until stable

Defining goals: practical starting points

Every change starts with a clear problem statement. For example, is the goal to reduce food waste, improve weather resistance, simplify refilling, or prevent non-target animals from accessing food? Clear goals help design meaningful tests.

Practical tip
If you notice a recurring issue, note the location, weather conditions, how often the feeder is refilled, and any animals involved. Detailed observations speed up diagnosis.

Lab and controlled testing

We perform bench tests first to avoid risking animals. These include durability checks, moisture exposure tests, and electronic stability checks. We simulate different failure modes so the device behaves safely if something goes wrong.

Key checks

• Feeder mechanism reliability under different conditions
• Stability and anchoring against wind or tampering
• Timer and dispensing accuracy
• Ease of cleaning and refilling

Field testing and community involvement

After initial success, we deploy prototypes in real locations. Field testing reveals variables that laboratories cannot reproduce: local animal behavior, human interaction, and environmental challenges. Volunteers are crucial: they report observations, help track issues, and suggest improvements.

How volunteers help

• Track frequency of malfunctions
• Note when food is consumed too quickly or spoiled
• Observe interactions with non-target animals
• Test practicality of regular refilling and maintenance

Feedback handling and fixing issues

All reports enter our task system. We prioritize safety-related issues first, followed by usability and durability. Fixes go through another round of testing before broader release. Transparency with volunteers helps maintain trust.

If you find a problem in the field

• Share the precise location and a brief description
• If safe, take photos and note the time
• Avoid disassembling units if it could harm animals or void warranty

Conclusion

Testing is a collaborative process between designers, technicians, and the community. By combining lab rigor and local knowledge, we make feeders that serve animals better and reduce maintenance burdens for volunteers. If you want to join field testing, reach out to your local TailsPal coordinators.