yamaha design laboratory turns cat running wheel into music box

Yamaha explores feline design with innovative cat tools

Yamaha Design Laboratory has collaborated with Yamaha Motor to develop concept designs for cat tools, merging their expertise in musical instruments and vehicles to explore new design values from a feline perspective. These designs focus on creating playthings that cater to cats’ natural instincts and curiosity, combining functionality with visual appeal. The collaboration has resulted in three innovative designs: Cat Music Box, Neko-Yama, and Strumming Box.

Yamaha Design Laboratory and Yamaha Motor explore feline design | all images courtesy of Yamaha Design Laboratory

Yamaha conceives Cat Music Box, Neko-Yama, and Strumming Box

Cat Music Box is a cat wheel that doubles as a music box, where melodies are created as a cat walks on the inner ring. Note plates can be inserted into slits on the outer ring, and the cat’s movement triggers the rotation, playing the music at varying tempos depending on the cat’s speed. This design allows for the creation of spontaneous and unique musical compositions, blending play with sound in a novel way.

Strumming Box features a scratching post that evolves visually over time, mimicking the wear and tear seen in beloved musical instruments. Layers of differently colored paper on the scratching surface reveal unique patterns as cats sharpen their claws, creating a distinctive and personalized appearance. This design reflects Yamaha’s understanding of the long-term enjoyment of owning and personalizing an instrument.

Neko-Yama’s design offers a cat playground inspired by cats’ affinity for tight spaces and challenging physical feats. The transparent platform features an array of holes, tunnels, dents, and bulges, encouraging cats to explore and test their limits. The structure is a blend of function and playfulness, embodying Yamaha’s design philosophy.

note plates inserted into the Cat Music Box create unique tunes, driven by a cat’s movements

Innovative Cat Tools Merge Play, Sound, and Design

These concept designs highlight Yamaha’s innovative approach to product design, integrating their core values with the playful and instinctual nature of cats. Though these designs are conceptual and not intended for commercialization, they offer a glimpse into the potential for cross-industry design collaborations.

Cat Music Box transforms a cat wheel into a musical instrument, playing melodies as cats walk

Strumming Box mimics the aging of musical instruments, evolving as cats scratch and play

Strumming Box reveals colorful layers, creating personalized patterns with every scratch

Yamaha’s designs cater to cats’ natural instincts while integrating aesthetic appeal

Strumming Box reflects Yamaha’s understanding of long-term enjoyment in personal objects