BUTTON THE CAT
Over the last few years, there has been a significant decrease in dexterity and social skills among 5-year-old children due to excessive screen use. Button the Cat solves this issue. With three characters modeled after real-life cat breeds (a Tabby, a Russian Blue, and an Egyptian Mau), Button the Cat encourages play through engaging textures and interactions with buttons, tying, and zippers. Being a multi-piece toy, Button the Cat is excellent for social play, inviting communication and compromise.
THE PROBLEM
As technology becomes more integrated into the lives of children 5 and under, there has been a significant decline in important life skills like putting on jackets independently and sharting/ cooperating with others.
Initial Sketches
THE SOLUTION
Through user feedback, developmental research, and pattern refinement, Button the Cat was born. Featuring fabrics with different textures for each breed of cat, the soft toy engages 5-year-old minds both visually and tactually. Buttons on limbs encourage play that teaches dexterity and buttoning garments. Additionally, Button the Cat challenges 5-year- olds to use zippers, as seen on the back of the cat for storage, and to tie ribbons on accessories for their furry friends. Multiple pieces also allow for classroom or social play where kids can learn sharing, cooperation, and creativity together.
