Better Together

People are familiar with the cliché about ego-driven designers who ignore clients and do whatever they want. That’s not us. Sure, we have robust discussions to influence product solutions when it benefits the project, but we always stay pragmatic and client-focused.

At Katapult, we have key values that guide us. We’re not perfect and our approach is always evolving but one core principle has always been Better Together.

We pride ourselves on our relationships. It is who we are, part of the embedded company DNA. This is evident in an exceptional team ethos within our group and the long standing, trust based relationships we have with our clients.

Better Together is why 80% of Katapult’s business comes from repeat clients. Small engagements grow into long-term partnerships. Partnerships evolve into more deeply embedded, seamless relationships where our team sweats the success of our clients. It’s deeply rewarding to see these partnerships flourish over time.

These relationships are hard won. They take effort on both sides and give and take born from earned respect. Sometimes we need to give a little in a robust argument, go that extra mile beyond the agreed scope or dig deep to provide that surprise and delight for a client feeling the pressure of new product development. It can sometimes seem pretty tough but, more often than not the ‘juice is worth the squeeze’.

Recently our team have been developing an innovative Micro Honey Harvester for HiveKeepers, a Melbourne based start-up led by dynamic entrepreneur Simon Mildren. What started as a strategic design workshop exploring a semi-vague idea has blossomed into an exciting, potentially paradigm shifting new honey ecosystem.
Our team visited apiarists, donned white suits to harvest honey, studied bees with experts and reimagined the process through fresh eyes. How do we make harvesting easier? Protect the providence of honey? Help bees weave their magic?

Prototypes were developed, tested and refined. Some ideas worked, others didn’t but we learned quickly. Inspiration from the client was refined by our team, creating a snowball effect as the project raced toward functional prototypes. We’re excited to see where it leads in the very near future.

While the product has evolved into something amazing, the journey has been just as rewarding. Nearly everyone in our studio has touched this project, thriving on the challenge and positive interaction with a passionate, open-minded client. Judging by Simon’s reaction, he’s enjoying the process too.

This is what keeps us coming back. Working hard, creating brilliant solutions and building life long relationships. Better Together.