We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Zhenyang Yan about their original and creative cat scratching board design work. Zhenyang Yan is an award-winning product designer, that makes our world a better place with their original cat scratching board works.
Zhenyang Yan ("ZY") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Catvas cat scratching board . Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
ZY : Our design concept stems from our care and love for cats. We care not only about their physical health as owners but also their happiness as friends. Inspired by their natural behavior of scratching furniture, we wondered if we could create an environment where they could happily scratch a canvas and create a picture.
ZY : During the design process, our primary focus was on creating an exceptional experience for cats while ensuring the product itself exudes a high-quality feel and seamlessly integrates into warm home environments. To achieve these goals, we undertook a rigorous design process that involved extensive testing and experimentation: We conducted thorough research and testing to identify the most suitable materials for the scratching surface, we created various prototypes to determine the optimal angle for the surface, we also employed techniques like wood heat bending to achieve a unique and stylish form factor.
ZY : we're collaborating closely with manufacturers to refine the production process, aiming to bring this innovative scratching board to market in the near future. We believe in the power of user feedback to refine and enhance our designs. Once Catvas hits the market, we eagerly anticipate gathering feedback from users, both cat owners and their feline companions. Their insights will be invaluable in assessing the product's effectiveness and identifying areas for further improvement.
ZY : The development of Catvas, our innovative scratching board, has taken approximately one year, encompassing the initial concept, detailed design, prototype validation, and ongoing discussions with manufacturers to finalize the production process.
ZY : Driven by a shared love for animals, our team embarked on a journey to create innovative pet products that enhance the lives of both pets and their owners. Catvas, our scratching board, exemplifies this commitment, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.
ZY : As mentioned above, we are contacting manufacturers ourselves for production, and we want to establish our own pet furniture brand, livelyhood.
ZY : Our team is comprised of professionals with backgrounds in design or engineering, and we aspire to bring about changes with our professional expertise.
ZY : Our target customers are those who view their cats as true companions, going beyond basic care to understand and respect their feline friends' unique needs and behaviors. These individuals are passionate about enriching their cats' lives, fostering a deep bond that transcends the traditional pet-owner dynamic. Livelyhood is dedicated to serving this discerning clientele with products that not only enhance physical well-being but also nurture the emotional connection between cats and their humans.
ZY : Livelyhood elevates scratching boards from mere pet necessities to stylish home décor accents. Our innovative design combines affordability with aesthetics, featuring replaceable canvases that transform into wall art when their scratching surface wears out.
ZY : "Catvas" cleverly blends "cat" and "canvas," perfectly capturing the product's dual functionality as a feline scratching surface and a customizable art piece. Its playful nature appeals to cat owners who value creativity and humor.
