ALTER PEOPLE’S PERCEPTION OF THE DISPOSABLE PEN

Introduction and Objective

This studio our objective was to create awarenessabout an important sustainable issue with a funapproach.

As members of modern society, we find ourselvesattached to material objects 24/7. However, thedisposable nature of most products frequentlyleads to conspicuous consumption.

1.5 billion pens are disposed of each year in theStates, which is 48 pens per second.

So, in this project we decided to alter people'sperspective about disposable pens. Duringfirst weeks we did different types of secondaryand primary researches related to sustainableproduct design such as regulations, case studies, and etc. In addition, we sketched aboutdifferent reuses of discarded pens.

After analyzing and synthesizing our gathereddata, we decided to bombarded our classmates with interactive art pieces designed to change theway they see the disposable pen on March 6th, 2013.

Our process and data are presented in the following website:

http://www.pentervention48.com/

Primary ResearchWe observed, captured, and analyzedpeople's behaviors relative to pens invarious locations throughout Savannah.We gained our knowledge through sixdifferent activities such as: Pen DropBox and observations.

1. Pen Drop BoxFive recycling boxes were created andplaced in various SCAD academic buildingswith the goal of collecting pens that would otherwise be thrown in the garbage to beable to use them in an interactive art piece. The boxes remained in the buildings for 5 weeks in which 50 disposable pens werecollected and diverted from the landfill.

2. Pure Observation I (the abandoned pen)In various locations on SCAD's campus, several pens were placed in high traffic areas with the goal of observing and learning about the relationship peoplehave with disposable pens.

As a majority, people were more comfortable taking seemingly abandoned pens in interior spaces versus outdoorenvironments.

PENtervention DayIn order to radically change our fellowstudent's perceptions of the disposablepen, we decided to bombard them witha wave of pen madness. Some adoptedpens, some shared their personalities, and others were invited to reflect on theirbehaviors of use.

Pen Adoption:During the ten week period of Winter Quarter2013, students collected abandoned pens in various locations on campus. Ten pens were selected to be placed up for adoption, with thegoal of finding them a good home. Each pen was evaluated on their "pensonality" with thehopes of making a good match with their potential new owner.

Pen Alternative Matrix: This matrix measures twenty-four tools for recording information, including a bloodyfinger and oral tradition, against twelve desirable characteristics. These characteristics include affordability, durability, cleanliness of use and mobility.The amount of color saturation in any givenbox reflects the strength of the measuredquality. During the Pentervention, we invitedstudents to add their own alternatives.

Lost Pen Board:

Over the course of eight weeks a number ofus would walk the halls to see if there were anyabandoned pens. This map shows the locationswere we found them.

Stab Board: Just for fun when the user stabs a peninto the board the majority of the pensfall out and onto the floor. When theylook down to retrieve them, there is a message.

Check out our interactive video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZBQhH1-SD8