Project 2 - Leigh McLaughlin

The Multi-Uni Stamp



(Re)Designed With What In Mind

The 'Multi-Uni Stamp"had quite an extensive developement cycle though it was simply designed to bring conventional stamps to the 21st century. I complicated the stamp to the point that though its' use remains singular, its' purpose is entirely up to its' proprietor. Aesthetic usability was greatly considered when the 'Multi-Uni Stamp' was designed; for the stamp of the future needn't be difficult to figure out. The rubber used in conventional stamps was innovatively utilized to ensure print legibility. With iteration (both in user testing and redesigns) the product was perfected. Several Iconic representations a day can be produced, inverse or otherwise, with whatever colour one chooses (typefaces are up to the individual also, as they are created by the individual). The 'Multi-Uni Stamp' was designed to serve the Hierarchy of needs from the bottom to the top. The form follows the function for the same reason aesthetic usability was so greatly considered. Colour was used to highlight parts on the stamp that are imparative to the function.

How To Operate

a) Hold stamp in hand as such that you can create a pattern by pressing certain dowels bellow the flat face of stamp. Press, randomly, or with pattern (that could include text, textile, geometric shape, or the like).
b) Once you have desired design, twist the coloured handle located to the side of the stamp frame, until dowels no longer budge (test by pressing finger down on some of them).
c) Press either side (depending on which version of the pattern you want -the positive or the negative) of stamp face on ink pad (or, colour with marker, paint, mud ect.)
d) Press face of stamp on surface (such as paper, fabric, skin ect.)
e) Re- ink when pattern no longer transfers
f) Admire your pattern


Includes

-stamp
-multi-colour ink pad
-fabric bad in which to carry

Improvements

It became apparent from the very first user test with the prototype that a few things needed to be re-approached. The wood of the dowels, for instance, soaked up the majority of the ink (when pressed on the pad or wet with marker) and disallowed even one vivid imprint with the stamp. Pieces of rubber (as used with conventional stamps), fitted perfectly to the ends of the dowels solves this. Also, user testing also revealed that despite the square frame, the elastic when tightened, forced the dowels into somewhat of a circle. The frames were redesigned as circles to combat this and give the design more continuity. The 'handle', formerly rectangular, used (twisted) to ensure the dowels remain stationary when stamping, was changed to dowel double the diameter of those that compose the face of the stamp, and coloured so that it is recognised as an important part of the toy.

Initial Prototype













Ideal Audience/ Why It's Fun

The ideal audience includes the age demographic we were to target, as well as those younger. Every of the OCAD stereotypes would enjoy this toy/tool because it can replicate whatever simple 2D image ones desires. User testing indicated, however, the toy is much more appealing, if one approaches it with creative intention.