These mechanical pencils were designed to counter the current consumer culture of focusing on quantity over quality.
Most pencils are disposable and not viewed as collector's items, but Nicholas Hemingway aimed to change that fact. The designer created these mechanical pencils as a response to the continuing use of cheap materials and commodities that end up contributing to pollution, excessive waste and climate change. The 'Mark II Everlasting Mechanical Pencil' he created comes in three materials -- aluminum, brass and stainless steel. With their sleek aesthetic and functional design, the pencils can be viewed as products that the owner intends to keep for many years to come.
The message the designer sends along with this product is important as it reflects a shift back to conscious consumption that focuses on quality rather than mass production.
Upscale Mechanical Pencils
These Pencils Were Created in Response to Today's "Disposable Culture"
Trend Themes
1. Conscious Consumption - The trend of conscious consumption creates opportunities in the lifestyle, fashion and home goods industries for creating products that emphasize quality and durability.
2. Sustainable Design - The trend of sustainable design offers opportunities in the eco-friendly, home goods and personal accessory industries for creating eco-friendly products made from long-lasting materials and are fully recyclable.
3. Anti-disposable - The anti-disposable trend creates opportunities in the fashion, lifestyle and personal accessory industries for producing long-lasting and highly durable products that last a lifetime or more.
Industry Implications
1. Personal Accessories - The personal accessories industry has an opportunity to create high-quality, long-lasting and sustainable products such as pens and pencils that can be treasured for years or even decades.
2. Consumer Goods - The consumer goods industry can create products that cater to a growing market of eco-conscious consumers who seek sustainable and earth-friendly products that last longer and reduce waste.
3. Home Goods - The home goods industry can capitalize on the trend of conscious consumption and create sustainable and long-lasting products such as cutlery, kitchenware, and appliances that reduce waste and contribute to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.