Possibilities Balpen by Dave Colliver is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2017 A' Design Award yn Izer in Keunst- en Skriuwfoarrieden Ûntwerp Competition Category.

IzerKeunstfoarrieden· 2017

Possibilities Balpen

by Dave Colliver

Client: If

A' Design Award yn Izer Winner in Keunstfoarrieden Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About Possibilities Balpen

Neat is de taktyske ferbining fan ideeën op papier setten. Dat moat iets wêze datst grutsk kinst wêze. Respektearje foar tradysje, de mooglikheden balpen fan "As" eleminten liene út 'e kûle- en vulpen om opnij te ferbinen mei de wille fan skriuwen, wylst in standert G2-balpunt-refill it gemak en de alsidichheid fan modern skriuwen bringt . It ûntwerp rjochtet him op in naadleas ferbinen fan in weromlûke anty-droechkap, drukke gripaktivering, klikke-oan-fit-refillferfanging en twa-poadium pocketclip foar styl, praktisiteit en wille om in libben te duorjen.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award yn Izer

Possibilities Balpen is in winner fan de A' Design Award yn Izer, in prestisjeuze erkenning foar goede ûntwerpen dy't foldogge oan de profesjonele en yndustriële easken dy't ferwachte wurde fan goed ûntwurpen skeppings. Izerwinners litte grutte feardigens, hege spesjalisaasje, deskundich begryp en kreatyf fermogen fan har makkers sjen. Fan Possibilities Balpen wurdt ferwachte dat it in tige heech achte, bewûndere en dierbere skepping is dy't praktysk en ynnovatyf is. Dit winnende ûntwerp fan de A' Design Award yn Izer yntegrearret de bêste praktiken fan de sektor en hat feardige technyske skaaimerken ferbûn mei kennis en talint. Possibilities Balpen wurdt respektearre foar syn yngeandens en is ûntwurpen om ferbetteringen fan de kwaliteit fan it libben te leverjen dy't helpe de wrâld ta in bettere plak te meitsjen.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Your pen is an expression of who you are. The Possibilities Ballpoint Pen from "If" shows that you are a thoughtful influencer far from being pretentious with: Understated but distinctive looks - An integrated retracting cover to protect the writing tip from drying out - Single motion activation, squeeze the grip and write - A pocket clip that closes so you won't put it away when in writing mode - Quick click-to-fit refill replacement with no disassembly needed - Durability enough to use every day, forever.
Dimensions & Packaging: Length: 150mm
Diameter: 12.7mm
Weight: 25grams
Balance: central
Refill: universal standard G2
Tags: pen, ballpoint, writing, luxury, office, stationery, gift
Production Technology: Internal components are produced from engineering grade injection molded plastics (Polycarbonate and Acetal) while the barrel is metal injection molded in either 316 stainless steel or Ti64 titanium.
Design Challenge: Selection of quality manufacturers enabled the functionality and quality from the design to be realized however this created a new challenge in the prototyping phase.

The best rapid prototyping technology available was sufficient to prove the functionality but not to reproduce the desired tight tolerances.

The upshot of this is the verification that the finished product will continue to function as intended even after years of use and abuse.
Research: Many years of experience in manufacturing, applying the principles of Lean and Continuous Improvement, have demonstrated the need to address a key set of objectives from the very beginning.

Selection of core values, business model, target market and product has been deliberately focused. Design intent has been rigorously adhered to throughout.

Careful application of the Eliminate, Combine, Rearrange and Simplify approach has helped guarantee that the outcome combines quality and affordability.
Inspiration: I have some nice pens in my collection, some sought out and some given to me as thank you gifts. They mean quite a lot to me.

Most though, have scratches, jammed mechanisms, missing parts or broken pocket clips so they have been relegated to being unused mementos rather than daily reminders of achievements, values and aspirations.

I wanted to share my dream for a unique pen, exceptional in its modern styling, function and robust quality that can be used with pride every day, forever.
Project Duration: The project, based in Adelaide South Australia, started in July 2011 and has recently reached the point of commercial readiness. It has been functionally tested and proven and is ready now to be manufactured.
Operation Flow: The unique retracting cover that prevents ink from drying out services the growing market desire for gel ink refills that need greater protection from airflow where other pens don’t.

Activation of the pen for writing is one simple intuitive step. Hold the pen as if you are writing and squeeze the grip lightly – the protective cap will retract and the pen is ready to write.

Replacement of the refill requires no disassembly of the barrel. The refill is simply held in place by inserting and pressing the tip upwards to clip into place – press down and slide out to remove it.
Patents: Registered Design No. AU 367804. 2016. Australia
The Registered Design belongs to Dave Colliver, 2016.
Team Members: Dave Colliver
Image Credits: Image #1 : Creator Katie Kung, Aesthetic form, 2017
Image #2 : Creator Katie Kung, Active and inactive, 2017
Image #3 : Creator Katie Kung, Pocket clip and button, 2017
Image #4 : Creator Katie Kung, Internals, 2017
Image #5 : Photographer Dave Colliver, Refill replacement, 2017