Client:
CAT SCHOOL
Year:
2024
Role:
Industrial Design
A small tool with a big purpose.
A cat clicker is a training tool that uses a distinct clicking sound to signal positive reinforcement. Paired with treats or rewards, it helps cats associate the sound with desired behaviors, making it a vital accessory for teaching tricks, addressing behavioral issues, or strengthening bonds between cats and their trainers.
Cat School sought to improve their existing clicker by addressing three key challenges: reducing excessive noise that could startle pets, introducing modular functionality for ease of use and storage, and updating the design to better align with their brand identity.
Working closely with the team, I contributed to redesigning the stick clicker into a dual-functional, versatile, and user-friendly product. The new design separated the clicker into two detachable components: a clicker for direct use and a telescoping wand for extending reach during training. This approach elevated the product’s usability while keeping pet parents and their feline companions in mind.
Understanding the behavior of cats (and their owners)
Our work started with a deep dive into the current product landscape and the habits of both trainers and their feline students.
Disassembling the current product: By reverse-engineering the original Cat School clicker, we identified issues with ergonomics, material durability, and the clicker mechanism.
Market comparisons: Research and tear-downs of competitor products provided insights into common user frustrations, like overall bulkiness and sharp click-sound mechanisms that startled pets.
User observations: We gathered insights from trainers, who highlighted the importance of lightweight materials, easy storage, and ergonomic comfort during training sessions.
These findings gave us a clear direction: improve usability, reduce the "sharpness" of the noise, and create a modular design that was as intuitive for trainers as it was functional for pets.
Turning ideas into functional prototypes.
The design process transitioned from exploratory concepts to refined prototypes, balancing creativity with manufacturability.
Sketching a wide range of ideas: Early concepts explored "mild-to-wild" features, such as flexible strap attachments, telescoping mechanisms, and soft-touch clicker surfaces. We filtered these ideas based on functionality and user feedback.
Prototyping and refinement: We developed multiple iterations of the product, focusing on noise reduction, durability, and ergonomic fit. Functional models validated materials and mechanisms, like different sheet metal gauges and stamp geometry for the "clicker" mechanism and elastic components for secure attachment.
Simplifying the modular system: While initial designs included magnetic mounts and complex adjustments, the final solution relied on a friction-fit mechanism that balanced ease of use and manufacture with reliability.
Combining materials and design for a better user experience
The final stick clicker was carefully crafted to meet the needs of both trainers and cats:
Durable materials: ABS plastic ensured the product remained lightweight and sturdy, while natural rubber tips added a safe interaction point for cats.
Quieter operation: The clicker mechanism was redesigned with softer internal components, creating a quieter sound that was less likely to startle pets.
Ergonomic improvements: A rubberized, rotate-able grip, combined with strategically placed clicker buttons, ensured the clicker was comfortable to hold and easy to use during extended training sessions.
Modular functionality: The detachable clicker allowed for independent use or attachment to the telescoping wand, making it versatile for different training styles.
These enhancements transformed a standard tool into a thoughtfully designed product that supported both the trainer’s needs and the pet’s comfort.
A new logo and identity for Cat School
The redesign of the stick clicker coincided with a broader effort to refresh Cat School’s brand identity, including the creation of a new logo and branding system. This phase of the project ensured that the product and the brand felt cohesive, modern, and approachable.
Designing the logo: The new logo aimed to capture the playful, yet considered nature of Cat School’s training philosophy. Early explorations balanced minimalist shapes with dynamic movement, ultimately landing on a sleek and modern logo that subtly incorporated a stylized cat silhouette. This design struck the right tone—approachable for pet owners, yet professional and reflective of Cat School’s expertise.
Establishing a branding system: The new branding extended beyond the logo to include a cohesive system of typography, colors, and graphic elements. A refined color palette blended soft, calming tones with bold accents to convey trust, energy, and innovation. Clean, legible fonts ensured accessibility across all touchpoints, from packaging to the digital interface.
Bringing it all together: The new branding system was applied to the redesigned clicker. The secondary logo treatment was integrated into the product’s molded plastic housing, while the updated color palette informed the matte finish and subtle accents.
A smarter design for better training and a stronger brand
The redesigned stick clicker represents more than just a refined product—it’s a reflection of Cat School’s commitment to innovation and accessibility in pet training. By addressing functional challenges and elevating the brand’s identity, the project delivered a tool that connects trainers and their feline companions in new, meaningful ways.
For pet owners: The quieter mechanism, ergonomic improvements, and modular design make the clicker easier and more effective to use, empowering trainers to focus on building positive relationships with their pets.
For Cat School: The cohesive integration of the new logo, color palette, and packaging reinforces Cat School’s position as a leader in the pet training market, bridging professionalism with a playful, approachable tone. The project established a design framework that can be expanded across future products, creating consistency while leaving room for continued innovation.
Ultimately, the stick clicker is more than a tool—it’s a testament to how thoughtful design can improve the lives of both humans and animals. It strengthens Cat School’s mission to make training accessible, intuitive, and fun, while opening the door to new opportunities for connection, growth, and trust between owners and their pets.
