Waving Maneki Neko


Hau-Tung CHONG •Fei-Yeung CHOW
Starlite Visual Communication Limited
 
 
 
The integration of old and new elements in a single product requires clever and excellent thoughts of designers. The Waving Maneki neko of Team Green is a work that combines innovativeness and tradition. Designer Emily CHONG stated that the initial design followed the appearance of a typical Maneki neko, which lacked distinguishing features. However, changing colors might make it unrecognizable. After much consideration, the team decided to build on traditional styles and add Japanese and modern elements.
 

Problem Solving in Trial-and-error
In addition to appearance, considerable effort was also put into choosing materials. The product is a three-dimensional wooden puzzle. Since wooden pieces are heavier than plastic, most wooden puzzle products can hardly move except from rotation or lifting up and down. The team made repeated attempts and finally found a component that allowed the cat’s hand to move smoothly.

Another designer of the product, Victor CHOW, explained from this example that product designers are not only creative but also pragmatic enough to think clearly about the production process. “Considering multiple factors is essential to creating successful products,” he said.

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