Qui: A Magnetic Revolution in Stationery Design

Piero Quintiliani's Award-Winning Design Simplifies Stationery Organization

Qui, meaning 'here' in Italian, is a magnetic pen and pencil holder designed to streamline stationery organization. The design was inspired by the desire to escape the fast-paced and stressful world, and to reconnect with the simplicity of personal interests and passions. Quintiliani's design offers a unique solution to the common problem of misplaced pens and pencils in both home and office environments.

The unique properties of Qui lie in its simplicity and functionality. The holder, made from injection-molded ABS, features a magnetic clip that can be attached to any pen or pencil. This allows the user to stick their writing instrument to any metal surface. For non-metallic surfaces, Qui comes with an adhesive metal disc that can be attached to any surface, from walls and computers to bags and notebooks. This ensures that pens and pencils are always within reach, adding a splash of color for easy spotting.

The design process for Qui began in November 2019 in Pisa and concluded in September 2020. The project was led by design director Piero Quintiliani, with the assistance of industrial designers Giorgio Mastropasqua and Ivan Vecchia. The team faced several challenges during the design process, including creating a product that could adapt to different formats of pencils and pens available in the market and ensuring quality control over mass production.

Despite the rise of digital technology, Quintiliani's research found that a significant portion of the population still prefers analog products such as paper, pens, and pencils. With Qui, the design team aimed to cater to this group's needs by giving a special place to analog tools that are indispensable for activities such as reading, writing, drawing, and studying.

Qui's unique design and functionality have not gone unnoticed. The product was awarded Silver in the A' Art and Stationery Supplies Design Award in 2021, a prestigious recognition given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. The award is a testament to Quintiliani's commitment to creating designs that not only solve everyday problems but also bring joy and simplicity to the user's life.

The design is protected by the EUIPO, registered on 03/02/20 under No 007654793-0001. All visual content regarding this design is copyrighted by the Pq design studio. With its unique blend of simplicity, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, Qui is set to revolutionize the world of stationery organization.