The 'Pencil Hub' was design as a response to the 'Postal Presents' brief, which required a functional item that could be mailed in a C4 postage envelope. The product is constructed with a 6mm clear acrylic base. The top comprises of 1mm polypropylene sheeting with a 2mm EVA foam underlay.
My intention was to create a functional pencil holder that emphasises the fun and playfulness associated with drawing. The shape, colour and textures of the various sheet materials have all been chosen with a mind to engaging the user, and creating a lighthearted atmosphere.
My initial designs for the 'Pencil Hub' played with the general silhouette created by pencils sticking out from a sheet material. This silhouette immediately reminded me of an echidna's shape.
My preliminary designs focused on manipulating the shape of the echidna. As such, the initial models had an a-symmetric profile. However, as the model progressed, the general shape evolved and became more sophisticated. This was an anticipated result of playing with the animal shape and progressively identifying the essence of the shape. At this point the model took on a semi-circular profile.
A key challenge to designing the Pencil Hub was creating an item consisting of sheet materials, that is visually attractive, while remaining easy to construct. It was with these challenges in mind, that the final form emerged. The two piece construction (the 'Pencil Hub' is mailed as two pieces: top and bottom), offers a user-friendly, intuitive assembly, while the minimalism also provides an elegance to the product.
The choice of colours (blue polypropylene, and green EVA foam) are as much about deriving an emotional response, as they are about the function of the product. The colour contrast highlights where to place pencils, and also indicates which side of the sheet is 'up' when constructing the product (no circles are visible on the under-side).
In essence the Pencil Hub is about bringing a sense of fun to the work desk, in a functional, and elegant package.
mate cool idea for something to have on the desk instead of another jar, glass or container to put pencils in.
ReplyDeletei really like the idea of the emotional response to the colours.
my only question is if you were to perhaps push a little to hard down on the curve would the whole thing pop out of its sockets and send pencils flying everywhere??
but its a really groovy idea, nice shape to it too.
It's a nice idea that differs from the generic cylindrical holder or rectangular tray. the colours are eye catching.
ReplyDeleteMaybe having different sized holes to enable pens to be held as well could be another aspect that you explored further.
An amazing idea in the most simplest form. The shape of the holder is eye catching making you think twice about what it is.
ReplyDeleteThe holder also comes with very clear instructions making it nearly impossible to get wrong
well done.
very smart idea, the shape of this product is very interesting. the size is very suitable for an table but if there can be put more pens will be better or make the pen line up into an even way it creates an interesting patten. nice job.
ReplyDeleteA playful concept that really takes advantage of the properties of the material. The interaction between the user and the product is very fun, as the polyprop sheet would deform as the use inserts a pencil.
ReplyDeleteDid it have to be rectangular though? You have this playful interaction so why not couple it with a playful form?
wow! this is a very cool idea. It's very simple, yet so eye catching. i would love to have one on my table! Also the instruction sheet is very nicely done. I agree with fil thou, perhaps it may come with different shapes, to make it even more fun.
ReplyDeleteGreat job!