Supernormal Stapler
Staples Sustainability Initiative
This re-designed office stapler addresses relevant needs typical of users of Staples branded products. The packaging was designed to accentuate the different colors offered. Reminiscent of a prism, the triangular footprint also would facilitate many different nesting options for displaying the stapler on shelves.
While offering significant contributions to sustainability in material selection and prolonged product use this stapler also has a playful silhouette and a fun refilling mechanism. The central core feels technical sliding out of an outer sheath, like removing a radioactive core from an atomic weapon. The basic shapes and colors are approachable and easy to operate. This small whimsical interaction with the device during maintenance will facilitate a growth of attachment with the object and a desire to keep it longer.
Work-flow in the office focuses on efficiency and productivity. New business structures, market demands and technologies keep transforming the office environment at a continuously accelerated pace. But at the core of this intense rhythm we find day-to-day activities that remain basically unchanged as time passes by. No matter how high-tech an office is, everyone needs supplies such as staplers, tape dispensers, paper clips, pens, etc. Unfortunately, these tools are often taken for granted and are constantly underused and replaced with little attention given to how their production, use, and disposal can impact the environment.
This Stapler was developed with sustainability, timelessness, and maximum user value in mind. It was considered how the selection of product attributes and materials will impact the ultimate environmental footprint of the product. Manufacturing a Stapler only from polypropylene was selected because it can be recycled as one part after the user discards it. The natural flex of the polypropylene was leveraged in order to reduce parts and facilitate easy manufacturing and recycling.
Injection Molded Polypropylene
November 2013
All development was done with three dimensional sketches (paper, cardboard, foam, clay, foil, etc.). Models were used to maintain natural ergonomics and consistent aesthetics.
Sustainable design offers an opportunity to improve both the life cycle environmental footprint and the value of these products for users in any working environment. Further, even small enhancements to the functionality or environmental profile common office supplies can have major impacts, due to the massive scale at which these products are manufactured, consumed, and used.
Ideation and Form Exploration, PVC pipe, Foam, and Cardboard
Stapler Sketches and Packaging Branding Exploration Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, Ballpoint Pen, AD Marker, Copic, and Felt Pen
Refined Concept and Photoshop Color Samples PVC Pipe, Wood, Spray Paint
September - October 2013