Life Disappears: A Unique Pencil Sharpener by WeiCheng Deng

Transforming Mundane Stationery into a Symbol of Time and Existence

The inspiration for Life Disappears came from the seemingly redundant process of sharpening a pencil. Deng observed that the generation of pencil shavings could be given a new purpose, allowing users to visualize the "life" of a pencil disappearing as they sharpen it. The pencil sharpener is designed as a circular, closed-loop time progress bar. As the pencil is inserted and rotated, the discarded shavings fill up the progress bar. When the bar completes a 360° rotation, it signifies that the pencil is fully sharpened.

Life Disappears stands out for its unique approach to design and functionality. It is produced using 3D printing or ABS plastic materials through molds. The dimensions of the sharpener are 50*50*40(mm), making it a compact and practical piece of stationery. The design tags associated with this project include time, features, stationery, crumbs, and schedule, reflecting its multifaceted nature.

The design was a collaborative effort by WeiCheng Deng, HongJun Chen, and KunYao Cen. The team began the project in Shunde in May 2019 and completed it in August 2019. The design process involved extensive research and a focus on the user experience and emotional connection with the product. The team faced the challenge of expressing this functionality through unconscious design, a challenge they overcame by linking the accumulation of pencil shavings with the progress of time.

Life Disappears is more than just a pencil sharpener; it is a statement about the passage of time and the fleeting nature of existence. The design was recognized for its creativity, technical excellence, and innovation, winning the Silver A' Art and Stationery Supplies Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

In conclusion, Life Disappears is a testament to the power of design to transform everyday objects into meaningful symbols. It challenges us to see the world in a new light and to find beauty and significance in the most mundane tasks. This design is a reminder that even the simplest actions, like sharpening a pencil, can be a reflection of life's impermanence.