Function

The product main function is to eliminate the need of pins, stapler and other accessories from notice board. The product allows paper and other objects to be attached onto the board without any accessory. To stick a paper and other object the user only need to rub the object on to the product surface. The product utilises electrostatic charge that is produced as paper or other object is rubbed on the board surface. There is no power supply required as any electrostatic charge requires is mechanically produced on demand by the user. Paper on the board surface is not physically bind by pin and other accessory and this allows the paper or other object to be moved across the board without the need of detachment and reattachment. Another feature of the product is that a translucent outer layer that enables images printed in the backing layer and still visible by the user. This allows every product to have a personalised design according to the customer.

Inspiration

Pins have always been seen as a nuisance by most of notice board users. They are not easy to put in and even more difficult to remove. Furthermore, loose pins on the floor pose a safety hazard on anyone who might accidentally step on them. Regardless of this, pin has always been considered as necessary evil as noticeboard could not be used without it. In response to this problem, I designed a notice board that does not require any pin, stapler and other accessory. The product works based on the triboelectric principle similar to rubbing a balloon on a person’s hair. The product makes use of electrostatic charge that builds up when two objects are rubbed against each other. This charge will then hold the object and the board firmly together. In this manner, the product will simplify the usage of noticeboard and make it a more pleasant experience.

Development

The development phase involves several stages that each deals with different aspect of the design. The first stage is to select the best material that creates the most electrostatic charge when paper and other object are rubbed on its surface. The material also needs to retain the charge for long period of time. The second part of the development it to investigate different aspects of manufacturing processes required to create the product. The last stage is to create small and full scale prototypes to test the concept in real application. All these development stages result in a full scale working prototype of the product.