Revolutionizing Pencil Sharpening: The Beautiful Sharpener

Di Lu and Junfeng Wang's Innovative Design Turns Pencil Shavings into Art

The inspiration for "Beautiful" came from the pencil shavings themselves. Di Lu and Junfeng Wang observed the aesthetic potential in these often-discarded fragments and decided to incorporate them into the design. As a pencil is sharpened, the shavings are guided to form a flower-like structure, radiating colorful petals from the center. This design not only adds visual appeal but also brings a sense of joy and romance to the otherwise mundane task of pencil sharpening.

"Beautiful" is not just about aesthetics; it also showcases innovative use of materials and production techniques. The designers suggest that small quantities of the sharpener can be made using 3D printing techniques with photosensitive resin materials. For mass production, molds can be used with PP or ABS plastic materials. The sharpener measures 65*28*85(mm), making it compact and portable.

The design process for "Beautiful" began in Xiamen in January 2018 and was completed in April of the same year. The designers conducted detailed online research and interviewed young professionals in studios to understand their needs. They found that modern life often lacks emotional engagement with everyday objects, and they aimed to address this through their design.

The main challenge in designing "Beautiful" was determining the shape and selecting the appropriate material. However, the designers overcame these obstacles, resulting in a product that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and emotionally engaging. The design has been recognized for its innovation and creativity, winning the Silver A' Art and Stationery Supplies Design Award in 2019.

In conclusion, "Beautiful" is a testament to the power of design in transforming everyday tasks into delightful experiences. Di Lu and Junfeng Wang's innovative approach to pencil sharpening serves as an inspiration for designers to find beauty and emotional engagement in the most mundane of tasks.