My previous topic focused on the physical and digital worlds surrounding museums. Currently, my research does not provide any concrete ideas on what this entails. So, for this task, my thought process has led me to consider creating something that doesn’t rely on technology for its primary function. As a result, I created a collection of three prototype pencil holders. I chose to work with cardboard as my primary material because it is lightweight, easy to cut and shape, and allows for quick iteration. This choice allowed me to try out different structures and improve my ideas without the limits of more rigid materials.
Prototype 1: The House
The first prototype takes the form of a small house, featuring a hole in its roof for storing pens, pencils, markers, and other writing instruments. This was the most complex design of the three, and due to its complexity, it took the longest to construct as I had to experiment with the angles of the roof and the positioning of the storage opening to achieve the right balance between aesthetics and usability.
Prototype 2: The Cube
The second prototype is a simple cube with five holes on one side, designed to hold pens and pencils perfectly. Its geometric structure made it the easiest to assemble, as I only needed to ensure that the holes were the right size for standard writing tools.
Prototype 3: The Abstract Shape
The third prototype differs from traditional forms, featuring a curved plank resting on a cylindrical base. Unlike the first two, which have clear, recognizable shapes, this design leans toward abstraction. Although this was the fastest prototype to construct, it required the most conceptual thinking. I spent a lot of time considering its form and how it could function as a pencil holder. The final piece is a sculpture that sparks interest while also being useful.
Observations from the Speed-Dating Session
For the in-class speed-dating session, I decided to bring Prototype 3. Given its abstract form, I was particularly interested in seeing how people would interpret it without any prior explanation. As the session began, people appeared uncertain about its intended function. Instead of immediately revealing its purpose, I encouraged them to make guesses based on its shape and structure.
Many speculated that it might serve as a rest for the chin or arm, while others imagined it as a support for chopsticks or another type of tool. When I revealed that it was meant to be a pencil holder, people had mixed reactions. Some were surprised, while others wondered if it really worked well for that purpose.
The most valuable feedback from this session suggested refining the concept by focusing on holding a single, special object rather than multiple everyday writing tools. One person suggested that the design could be changed from a typical pencil holder to a display case for a special calligraphy pen or another important writing tool. This idea created new options for how the prototype could become a more meaningful object.
Overall Thoughts
The speed-dating experience proved to be a valuable exercise in the iterative design process. Observing how people engaged with my prototype, interpreted its function, and provided feedback allowed me to rethink my approach and the intended use of the design. I realized that the way something looks affects how people understand and use it. It’s important to create ideas that clearly show what they are for or, on the other hand, encourage people to engage with them through uncertainty.