Bernice Ko is an industrial design honours student who is passionate about creating work that is both sustainable and accessible. Her practice combines meticulous research, human-centred design, and environmental awareness to develop solutions that genuinely help people and communities. With experience as a technical support assistant, she brings problem-solving, troubleshooting, and communication skills to every project, ensuring practical, user-friendly outcomes. Driven by a desire to make design inclusive and responsible, Bernice aims to reduce barriers, promote sustainability, and enhance well-being through thoughtful, purposeful design.

Bernice Ko

 

Across Australia, animal shelters are struggling with overcrowding, and countless animals are left without homes. Yasuso is a sustainable fostering kit designed to make animal fostering more accessible, especially for young adults, while addressing shelter overflow and promoting environmental responsibility. By repurposing discarded suitcases through circular design principles, Yasuso transforms waste into a portable and adaptable kit. It functions as both a travel organiser and a comfortable pet bed, giving foster animals a familiar space to rest while storing essential items like food, bedding, and care supplies. The design is scalable to suit different animals and lifestyles, making it both practical and versatile. Targeted at young adults aged 18–25, Yasuso also connects to social prescription initiatives, helping reduce mental health pressures while encouraging companionship and purpose through fostering. The project draws from real insights gained through visits to the Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre (BARC) and consultation with fostering organisations, ensuring the design responds to real-world needs. Yasuso isn’t just a product—it’s a movement toward circular, community-driven animal care. By combining sustainability, social awareness, and emotional well-being, Yasuso redefines fostering as a mutually beneficial experience for both humans and animals.