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In the past, domestic cats have always played the role of catching mice, tipping toward practical purposes, but now they are mostly raised by DINK and single families as a companion, indicating that the role of cats has gradually shifted into being family members or friends. A “Pairing Accessory” is a symbol that proves the relationship between the owner and cat. If the cat wears an accessory, it not only enables other people to recognize the relationship between the cat and its owner but also enhances the owner’s sense of identity toward the cat.
This design takes the study of the emotional link between domestic cats and owners as the main axis in its focus toward matching accessories for pet and owner and design relevant pet accessories sets. First, the author, through the use of information gathered from literature review, studies the relationship between people and pets, Taiwan’s cat culture and the types of domestic cat accessories, and Taiwan’s relevant festive jewelry and related studies. For the research methodology, the author will draw up the questionnaire in advance, which will be used to collect information about the public’s general interests toward pet accessories, product preference, and selection. Then, the author will visit the pet product exhibition and local pet stores to investigate relevant pet collar brands to understand the current market trend. Through the results of the previously conducted research, the author will develop a pet brand marketing strategy, followed by the product design and execution, and after that, design a questionnaire to survey the public opinions on the author’s design.
The design will be divided into two major series—“festive series” and “customized series,” which is then further divided into six themes. The “festive series” comprises four important festivals—“Chinese new year,” “valentine's day,” “cat festival,” and “birthday,” while the “customized series” is the customized design targeted at the two cats, “Candy” and “Meimei” raised by their respective owners. The festive series will be designed according to Taiwan's festival characteristics, while the custom series will be discussed and designed according to the income, personal style, and preferences of the two cat owners and the products will be finally produced and exhibited. Through product presentation during the exhibition and the survey of questionnaires after the event, it was found that cats are generally regarded by owners as children, and owners no longer think of cats as just pets. Matching accessories between owner and pet have more attraction power toward the female population who raise cats, and most consumers are fond of customized matching accessories and hope to own accessories specific to their pets' birthday or anniversary. Based on the above conclusion, in future brand management, the author will execute design development targeted at the consumers' needs.
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