The simplest ideas are sometimes the best.
I came across this competition entry on design blog ‘Design Boom‘ which really reminded me how the simplest ideas can sometime be the best. Take a simple problem and provide a simple cost effective solution.
A group of designers in Italy have both those boxes ticked with their innovative cutlery designs which allow you to utilise office stationary to eat your lunch. Simply transform a biro via pen cap style spoon, knife and fork attachments. Yes – You can now legitimately use a biro to eat your pasta with these add-ons:
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I also appreciate the product name which I am guessing is designed to play on the words ‘Dining’ and ‘ink/pen’ to create ‘din-ink’. It is cute and simple and correctly describes the ethos behind the products development and the use of the item as well.
The packaging is biodegradable and simple – which I like in some ways and dislike in others. Yes, the products usage is so clear from it’s design that you don’t need any imagery or instructions – but some would have really added to the design of the packaging. Perhaps a cardboard sleeve around this with one of the lovely photo’s they have of the item in use or an illustrative element playing on the humour of being able to use our pens to eat lunch would have really helped showcase what is a really innovative and strong concept design. Using printed card in some form or another to hold the bag would have increased the packaging, which I can see they are trying to avoid – but card is bio-degradable and recyclable. Maybe a holder similar to a large old fashioned matchbox could have served as a reusable case for the items as there is no reason why they couldn’t be washed and reused. Direct re-use being the most effective method of recycling ever invented…
Failing that, perhaps a standee which would hold these bags would have been a great finishing touch?
These little niggles aside – it is a great concept and reminded of one of the first principles of design. I wish these guys well for the future.
The designs are a collaboration of five Italian designers: andrea cingoli + paolo emilio bellisario + cristian cellini + francesca fontana.
Quote from Design Boom:
Designer’s own words:
Turn your favourite office tool from your desk in a common cutlery…this is din-ink. A set of pen caps, including a fork-cap, a knife-cap and a spoon-cap, that replaces the normal pen cap during lunch time! All caps are made by annually renewable resources, like natural starch and fibers, to be 100% biodegradable and atoxic, warranting the best alimentary use. Dispensing each set in a compostable packaging the whole set is designed to respect the environment. Now give your office ballpoint pen a good excuse to be gnawed by your teeth: use them for din-ink.
Links:
Design Boom post here
