Pet Pointer is a playful interactive web experience inspired by the website Pointer Pointer. Instead of people pointing at your cursor, Pet Pointer dynamically displays images of dogs appearing to “point” at the user’s mouse location. The project explores interaction design, DOM manipulation, and user delight through simple but engaging front-end logic.
Front-End Development • Creative Coding • JavaScriptSolo Project
Open Petpointer
Designer & Developer
Solo
2 Weeks
HTML • CSS • JavaScript
Interactive Web Project
iOS
Recreated an existing interaction pattern independently while practicing DOM manipulation, mouse tracking, and JavaScript logic to build a playful, shareable experience.
Analyzed how Pointer Pointer tracks cursor position and displays images, mapped mouse coordinates to image placement, implemented event listeners, dynamically calculated cursor position, randomized images, ensured responsive positioning, and optimized scaling across screen sizes.
Sites like Pointer Pointer focus on a single engaging interaction but lack depth and replay value, while others rely on randomness without a lasting experience. Even playful sites like Cat Bounce lack clear goals or progression. This highlights an opportunity for Pet Pointer to stay simple and fun while adding themed content and a more memorable, engaging experience.
Many web experiences are static and predictable. I wanted to explore how a simple cursor-based interaction could create surprise and delight while also strengthening my front-end development skills. Additionally, I was interested in understanding how lightweight interaction logic can dramatically increase engagement without complex backend systems.
Pet Pointer reimagines the original Pointer Pointer concept by replacing human imagery with dogs positioned in ways that appear to be reacting to the user's cursor. Each time the user moves their mouse, a new dog image loads strategically positioned to align visually with the cursor.The experience is intentionally simple, humorous, and frictionless
Casual internet users
Users who enjoy novelty web experiences
Desktop users (cursor-based interaction)
Designers and developers interested in creative coding
