ENT3003 Assignment 8A – Solving the Problem

Solving The Problem: Product Solution

Opportunity: 

The problem I’m hoping to solve is with Mechanical Pencils, I hope to create a product that can address several issues. Of the issues that exist with current mechanical pencils, I will primarily be focused on fixing the problems regarding lead.

Three Existing Problems and their Respective Alterations:

Problems: Most mechanical pencils have a solid surrounding that prevents the user from seeing how much lead they have left to write with. Another issue occurs when the lead coming out of the pencil breaks easily while writing, this is sometimes due to too much lead coming out but I also believe it could be due to the thinness of the lead. The final problem my product will solve is with the storage of lead, currently the user must carry separate "containers" that carry additional pieces of lead. The need to carry an additional item for your one mechanical pencil can be rather tedious to the user, which results in most people choosing not to carry any extra lead at all. Instead, the majority of people choose to use a completely new pencil when their original one runs out of lead.

Solutions: I plan to create a product that alleviates all of these issues. To begin, this product will take advantage of a transparent surrounding that allows for the pencil be to seen through its outer covering effortlessly, making it easy for the user to realize when they're running low on lead. The second improvement will prevent the lead from breaking as easily, this is due to the pencil's thicker and more durable lead source. Additionally, this pencil will have the ability to limit lead from exceeding a set maximum length out of the top. Finally, the product is finished off with a small compartment on the side of the pencil that acts as a "clip" just like standard mechanical pencils have. However, instead of just acting as a clip, this piece will double as a storage device that is capable of holding more than a dozen pieces of lead.