Dear Paper: Redefining the Pen and Letter Opener

Award-winning design by Dushui Design Studio

Writing letters is the only way for us to contact each other initially. Dushui Design Studio records the feeling of missing only through characters. Writing at the end of stationery meanwhile symbolizes the yearning for a letter in reply. The combination of pen and letter opener expresses hope and expectation. The product integrates the concrete behaviors of recording the feeling of missing via pen and opening expectation with design and aesthetics and endows pens with new life and stories.

Dear Paper, the innovative creation by Dushui Design Studio, is a pen and letter opener hybrid that redefines the image of traditional stationery. Breaking free from the constraints of conventional designs, Dear Paper adds a touch of vitality and functionality to the humble pen.

The inspiration behind Dear Paper stems from the desire to evoke human emotions and express the feelings of longing and anticipation through both its appearance and functions. The designers aimed to capture the essence of the "Dear paper" - a sentiment that everyone has experienced at some point in their lives, and the most genuine reflection of our existence.

What sets Dear Paper apart from other pens and letter openers is its unique properties and strengths. The act of writing letters, once the primary means of communication, is imbued with a sense of nostalgia. Dear Paper pays homage to this tradition by incorporating elements of human emotion into its design. It symbolizes the yearning for a letter in reply and represents hope and expectation.

The design of Dear Paper seamlessly integrates the act of recording feelings through writing with the practicality of opening letters. The product's aesthetics and functionality work in harmony, breathing new life and stories into the pen. The combination of stainless steel and meticulous craftsmanship through CNC turning and milling, as well as polishing, ensures a high-quality finish.

Dear Paper comes in three different shapes: circle, triangle, and hexagon. Each head has its own specifications, with the circle measuring 18x18x193mm and weighing 26g, the triangle measuring 14x14x183mm and weighing 25g, and the hexagon measuring 13x13x180mm and weighing 23g.

Users can easily write on paper by opening the cover of Dear Paper. To open letters, they simply need to position the knife face of the letter opener against the inner side of the stripping position and gently gash along the edge. The exterior curve of Dear Paper enhances the overall design, providing a comfortable and ergonomic writing experience.

The Dear Paper project began in October 2014 and was completed in July 2017. Throughout the design process, the team at Dushui Design Studio conducted extensive research to deepen their understanding of the beauty and significance of handwritten letters. They aimed to create a product that would evoke a sense of commitment and longing in a time when handwriting has become less prevalent.

Dear Paper has received recognition for its outstanding design and creativity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Art and Stationery Supplies Design category in 2018. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate exceptional technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: DUSHUI design studio
Image Credits: DUSHUI design studio
Project Team Members: Zeng-yi Liu Zhi-wei Zhang Chi-lun Liu Chen-yeh So
Project Name: Dear Paper
Project Client: DUSHUI design studio


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