a soft cactus Rethinks office objects through tactile design
TACTO is a cactus-inspired memo pad that rethinks how everyday office objects can engage users beyond pure functionality. Rather than acting as a passive tool, the design encourages interaction through touch, form and visual transport. The object draws inspiration from the structure and character of desert plants. Its soft foam body is wrapped in felt, creating a warm and approachable touch surface, while pin-like elements referencing cactus spines allow users to attach notes in an intuitive and flexible way. At its base, a pot-like form subtly incorporates storage for rolled note paper, combining practicality with a sculptural presence.
The TACTO memo pad is inspired by the shape of a cactus | all images courtesy of Ivan Studio – Yuhan(Ivan) Gu
tacto reframes the memo pad as a playful dual-use object
This incorporation of hidden functionality reinforces the object’s dual identity as both a useful tool and a playful artifact. By merging biomimicry with product design, TACTO, designed by industrial designer Yuhan (Ivan) Gu, introduces a sense of curiosity and lightness into the daily routine. The project explores how small, familiar objects can be repurposed to create moments of interaction, encouraging users to reconnect with their natural environment in a more engaging way.
The soft foam body wrapped in felt defines the surface of the object
pin-like elements reinterpret cactus spines as functional features
