Catzz Katu Ohea by Mirko Vujicic is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2020 Platinozko Saria A' Design Award in Maskota Zaintza, Jostailu, Hornidura eta Animalientzako Produktuen Diseinua Competition Category.

PlatinoMaskota Zaintza· 2020

Catzz Katu Ohea

by Mirko Vujicic

Client: Mirko Vujicic

Platinozko Saria A' Design Award Winner in Maskota Zaintza Category

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Verified Award Winner
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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Catzz Katu Ohea

Catzz katu ohe diseinatzerakoan, inspirazioa katuen eta jabeen beharretatik sortu zen, eta funtzioa, sinpletasuna eta edertasuna bateratu behar zituzten. Katuak behatzen zituzten bitartean, haien ezaugarri geometriko bereziek forma garbia eta ezaguna inspiratu zuten. Katuaren portaera eredu batzuk (adibidez belarrien mugimendua) katuaren erabiltzaileen esperientzian sartu ziren. Era berean, jabeak kontuan hartuta, helburua pertsonalizatzeko eta harro erakusteko moduko altzari bat sortzea zen. Gainera, garrantzitsua zen mantentze erraza bermatzea. Hori guztia diseinu geometriko dotoreak eta egitura modularrak ahalbidetzen dute.

The Recognition

About the Platinozko Saria A' Design Award

Catzz Katu Ohea Platinozko Saria A' Design Award irabazlea da, benetan apartekoak, dotoreak eta handiosoak diren diseinuei ematen zaien aitorpen oso prestijiotsua. Platino-mailako irabazleak sorkuntzaren mirariak dira, sormen intelektualaren mugen lekuko, eta beren diseinatzaileen profesionaltasun parekaezina eta genioa erakusten dute. Diseinu hauek garai baten estetika zehazten duten, gizartearen ongizateari laguntzen dioten eta artearen, zientziaren, diseinuaren eta teknologiaren mugak zabaltzen dituzten lan ospetsuenak izatea espero da. Catzz Katu Ohea bikaintasun-maila transzendentea erakusten duen lana da, eta, zalantzarik gabe, mundua leku hobea bihurtzen duena bere ezaugarri onuragarri eta baliotsuekin. Catzz Katu Ohea Platinozko Saria A' Design Award irabazi duen lana da, desirak pizten dituena, inspiratzen duena, pozik betetzen duena eta poz handia sortzen duena.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Catzz cat bed relies on clean and contemporary design, which is the result of careful thinking and research in order to make a perfect combination of functionality, content and form. The modularity of the product enables personalization, reconfiguration, easy maintenance and conveniently flat packaging.
Dimensions & Packaging: Product dimensions:
Width: 570 mm
Depth: 580 mm
Height: 610 mm

Triangular module (equilateral triangle) specifications:
Edge dimension: 288 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Tags: cat bed, pet furniture, pet supplies, cat toys
Production Technology: Triangular modules are made from felt pieces and plastic plates, all cut by a laser. Two felt pieces are glued to a plastic plate in the middle, and the hems of felt pieces are sewn. Each module corner has a snap fastener stud attached. Assembly connectors, made from metal by cutting and bending, have snap fastener sockets attached. Modules used for "ears" do not have a plastic plate, but only two pieces of felt sewn together, and have fabric connectors because the "ears" need flexibility.
Design Challenge: After the research, a clear need for a cat bed that assembles and disassembles easily, but is sturdy at the same time, arose. The challenge was not to use any screws and to avoid using tools. I needed something simple. Therefore, I opted for snap fasteners to connect the triangular modules reliably and plastic plates to strengthen them within, making modules thin and sturdy. As a result, those modules can fit into a flat packaging which is simple to transport.
Research: The purpose of the research was to gain insight into cat owners' needs and wishes regarding cat furniture and toys. First, a survey was conducted in March, 2019. The total of 250 participants completed the survey anonymously. The results showed that most participants valued these characteristics most (in decreasing order): ease of cleaning, ability to personalize it, contemporary design, and reasonable price. Secondly, using prototypes, the functionality and ergonomics were tested.
Inspiration: I was inspired by my own cat in terms of both form and function. Distinct geometry in my cat facial features guided the form of design, whereas her movement and behavior inspired the interactive aspect. The material was chosen to fit the cat needs for a warm and snugly environment, which felt provides. Knowing that cats are always on the lookout for the perfect hiding and resting spot and that their preferences vary, it was important for me to provide the possibility for adaptation.
Project Duration: The idea was born in Belgrade, in the beginning of 2019. It was followed by numerous sketches and mock-up models, and searches for different kinds of materials. In September 2019, after having finalized the design, I made the prototype. The prototype enabled an insight into the product's minor flaws, which were dealt with. Afterwards, technical specifications and production technology were defined in January 2020.
Operation Flow: Catzz cat bed can be easily disassembled if needed to be washed, transported or reconfigured. It comes in different colors so that it can match the cat color or complement the space. Also, it can be transformed in three variants to fit the cat personality and needs (e.g. more or less privacy or warmth). It comes with a cat toy tied to Catzz cat bed ear by an elastic string, which makes the ear move when the cat plays with the toy, and if there is more than one cat, they can join the play.