The key design elements for a pen holder or pen pot are pretty simple. It just needs to be tall enough to support writing instruments of different heights without them tipping over and would have enough room for at least a handful of pens, pencils, markers, and the like. Beyond that, the designer is free to interpret the shape of the container, and some even have dividers to segregate the different tools. But while pen holders are a convenient way to keep your pens together, they don’t really make it easy to pick out your favorite one from among the bundle. Some people would use a separate stand just for that single pen, which takes up unnecessary space on your desk. This concept design has a rather curious answer to the problem, one that pretty much leaves a conspicuous hole in the middle of the pill-shaped pot.

Designer: Liam de la Bedoyere

Usually, having a hole in the middle of a container is considered to be a defect, one that not only weakens the structure of the shape but also mars its visual integrity. After, something that cuts through an otherwise clean and whole form is sure to bother one’s aesthetic sense. In this case, however, that hole is not only intentional but also functional, setting the Void Pen Pot apart from your run-of-the-mill pen holders.

The hole that runs through the body of the pill-shaped container actually provides a convenient resting place for your most-used pen or pencil. Instead of wasting time and effort looking for that pen among half a dozen similar-looking rods, you can simply pull it out from its hole and start using it immediately. And when you’re done, you can just shove it back in to wait for the next time you need it.

Since that hole practically bisects the container, it also acts as a built-in divider that lets you group your pens into two. That said, this also means you’re not able to maximize the entire space of the container for your pens, specifically the area above and below the “tunnel” made by this hole.

The concept comes in two flavors, four if you consider the pen holder can be pill-shaped or a conventional can. One design employs a polished chrome body, while the other tries to adopt Japanese minimalist brand MUJI’s signature frosted polypropylene, both with cork bottoms. While the function of having an odd yet special place for your favorite pen is definitely useful, it still raises the question of whether such a quirky design will be appealing or off-putting instead, with a pen sticking out from an otherwise blemish-free surface.

The post Odd pen holder has a unique way to showcase your favorite writing tool first appeared on Yanko Design.

The advancement of a society is determined by the tools it uses. That’s why we labeled epochs by materials, like the stone age, bronze age, iron age and the industrial age. With how much design and art has evolved over the past few decades, it really doesn’t make much sense using stationery tools from centuries ago. Gone are the days of relying on protractors and set-squares, the folks at Ddiin have designed something new, the Exlicon L is an all-encompassing toolkit that combines clever detailing with new-age requirements. With 3 tools that achieve a variety of unique tasks, the Exlicon L lets you master distances, circles, arcs, parabolic curves, triangles, and the golden ratio – one of nature and visual design’s most prominent templates.

Designer: Ddiin Concept Ltd./ Sofia Lee Pik Shan

Click Here to Buy Now: $26 $36 (27% off). Hurry, only 9/100 left! Raised over $47,000.

Sofia Lee, the visionary behind Ddiin, founded the company in 2019, winning over 30 design awards (like the iF Design Award and IDEA Award) for their unique spin on stationery and their commitment to enhancing the functional aesthetics of design tools. The Exlicon L is perhaps their most extensive toolkit yet, designed to allow web designers, graphic designers, architects, artists, industrial designers, fashion designers, and more to effortlessly create shapes and lines that adhere to the golden ratio—a universally admired aesthetic standard that imbues works with a natural sense of harmony and balance.

The golden ratio is a mathematical concept that describes a perfectly balanced and visually pleasing proportion found in nature and design. It is approximately 1.618, and can be expressed mathematically as follows: φ = (1 + √5) / 2

We are inspired by the golden ratio in nature and architecture.

The toolkit is cleverly engineered to be compact yet comprehensive, accommodating a wide array of design needs. It includes tools like the TG, Triangle, and Circle, each crafted to facilitate the creation of precise geometric shapes, golden spirals, and thick lines, all within the palm of your hand. The precision of these tools addresses a common challenge in freehand drawing—achieving accurate proportions without traditional measuring devices, which can often disrupt the creative flow.

The design of the Circle Tool has a broad spectrum of radius sizes enabling a total of 112 circles to be drawn.

One of the set’s key components, the Circle Tool, addresses a longstanding challenge for artists seeking to master circles and arcs. The tool lets you easily draw as many as 112 circles of different diameters, using pencils, pens, and even thick markers. Three measuring scales built into this tool let you capture distances including metric and imperial linear distances for radii and diameters, or even measure circumferences with a length of up to 18 centimeters. Unlike any existing circle-master, this tool gives you mastery over radial lines too, as well as allows you to quickly make mandalas and other geometric patterns.

Extending the Circle Tool’s functionality is the Golden Ratio Tool Set, comprising the TG Tool and Triangle Tool – each brimming with functionalities designed to streamline the creative process. Imagine incorporating golden spirals, precise angle measurements, and a ruler seamlessly into your workflow – all within a single, portable, and user-friendly toolset.

The TG Tool

Parabolic Curve

The TG Tool is quite unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Modeled on the shape of a golden spiral, the TG Tool gives you mastery over one of the oldest ratios based on the Fibonacci sequence found in nature. This sequence helps determine proportions and can be found in nature, architecture, art, and practically every phase of life. The golden ratio, roughly equal to 1.618, is a mathematical formula that embodies perfect balance and aesthetic appeal, frequently observed in nature and artistic masterpieces. Traditionally, achieving this ratio with freehand techniques has been a frustrating exercise, often requiring rulers, dividers, and a healthy dose of guesswork. The Exlicon L TG Tool eliminates this frustration. The ingenious tool comes with 3 spirals of 55.7, 51.7 & 47.4 mm radii, allowing you to draw spirals, plot details along the golden curve, make isosceles golden triangles, and even draw parabolic curves with sheer certainty.

The Triangle Tool

Finally, the Triangle Tool enables the creation of a series of golden triangles, which are essential for designs that require rigorous proportionality and aesthetic alignment with the golden ratio. It features various marking groups that guide the user in drawing triangles starting from different base lengths, such as 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 mm. Each marking group is distinctly designed—solid, hollow, and semi-circular—to facilitate easy identification and use, making this tool incredibly user-friendly and efficient for both professional designers and hobbyists aiming for precision in their creative endeavors.

You can either buy the set of three tools together, or choose an individual tool that you’re most likely to use often. Each tool is crafted from high-quality stainless steel, making them robust, sleek, and resistant to damage or corrosion. The Exlicon L starts at $26 for an individual tool of your choice, or you can bag the entire set of $79, with free shipping anywhere in the world.

Click Here to Buy Now: $26 $36 (27% off). Hurry, only 9/100 left! Raised over $47,000.

The post This Stationery Set Of The Future Unlocks Unique Opportunities For Designers And Artists first appeared on Yanko Design.

You’ve probably had your share of seeing articles, YouTube videos, and Instagram posts about beautifully crafted notebooks and journals. Despite the prevalence of smartphones, computers, and digital devices, there is still a very strong culture around paper notebooks and the tools that support their use. That said, notebooks aren’t the only medium for this kind of creative activity, and loose-leaf paper has some benefits as well, at least as long as you have a way of keeping them together or writing on them on a flat surface. This extremely simple clipboard offers that kind of experience for artists, architects, and engineers, and it even adds a feature you’ve probably never seen on any clipboard before.

Designer: Studio SHFT

Clipboards have been around for decades, maybe even centuries, but very few people actually give them a second thought. You’d usually see them in offices, store rooms, or even on the field to hold a few sheets of paper together, mostly checklists or forms to be filled while standing up. Unfortunately, that underestimates the utility of this tool, and this all-metal clipboard demonstrates how you can take advantage of its features with a few ingenious design details.

The most striking thing about the FOLD B is that it’s made from a single sheet of stainless steel. Although most clipboards are often made with plastic, cardboard, or even cork, a steel one isn’t at all unheard of yet extremely rare. Even rarer is the fact that it’s really just one flat sheet of metal, without even a clip to keep paper in place.

That function is instead delegated to two small cylindrical magnets that are strong enough to hold the paper down, though probably only a single sheet as well. The idea is to use the clipboard not as an organizer for loose-leaf paper but as a drawing board or canvas. You place a sheet of paper, “pin” it down with those two magnets, and start drawing, drafting, or writing to your heart’s content. The clipboard’s elevated rear drives home the fact that it’s really made for this kind of use case.

While it doesn’t have a paper clip, The one thing that does protrude from the top of the clipboard is a small rechargeable lamp. This assists the user to keep on working even in darker spaces, though it’s still better to have a properly lit environment anyway. This lamp is connected to the clipboard with screws, so it’s completely possible to remove it if you feel that it hinders rather than helps. Curiously, this built-in lighting also opens the design to more uses, like a guest book or a menu holder for restaurants.

The post Ultra-minimalist clipboard made from a sheet of metal has a built-in light first appeared on Yanko Design.

Pens as a writing instrument have stood the test of time and they’ll be timeless accessories for eternity. Those who cherish the joy of writing down stuff with their fountain or rollerball pen always appreciate the idea of investing in a quality option. The unique writing experience these writing instruments offer is unmatchable, making them a must-have everyday carry.

If you also love keeping a fountain pen handy, the Submarine Collection by TaG will interest you. The submarine-shaped fountain pen edition is developed in collaboration with Hou Xin-Yong, a highly experienced calligrapher with over 2 decades of expertise, and Lee Tai-Ying, the founder of a fountain pen club in Taiwan.

Click Here to Buy Now: $100 $145 ($45 off) Hurry! Only 10 Days Left. Raised over $130,000

The heart of the solid brass fountain pen is its ink-filling mechanism which is second to none. Simply dip the pen’s tailormade black PVD stainless steel nib from Schmidt (you can also choose the gold-plated nib version) into the ink bottle and turn the knob at the top, it’s as easy as that. The weight balance of the writing instrument makes it a treat to use for long writing sessions and ensures natural movement of the hand across the paper. This is attributed to the anti-slip tapered fiber grooves around the pen for a secure grip and tactile dimension to the whole writing experience.

To make sure, there is no ink leakage like other conventional friction-free converter structures, the pen has an internal treaded structure between the converter and the pen’s outer shell. At the top of the writing instrument, the turbine-inspired cap element complements the streamlined design aesthetics of the pen. According to TaG, the fountain pen is crafted with precision as every detail right from “the choice of premium materials to the aesthetic appeal, has been thoroughly considered for a creation that is functionally and visually pleasing at the same time.”

If you are more oriented toward the rollerball pen option, the makers have a compelling option for you. The Submarine Rollerball Pen has the same sleek design and the signature turbo-filling mechanism. It comes with a Schmidt rollerball tip that moves on the writing surface like butter. Both these writing instruments are in a league of their own with massive crowdfunding already, surpassing the goal by a humongous margin. If you already fancy the idea of buying one you can pledge the fountain pen for $109 and the ballpoint pen for $100.

Click Here to Buy Now: $100 $145 ($45 off) Hurry! Only 10 Days Left. Raised over $130,000

Click Here to Buy Now: $100 $145 ($45 off) Hurry! Only 10 Days Left. Raised over $130,000

The post This fountain pen makes creation flow on the writing surface, comes with turbo ink filling mechanism first appeared on Yanko Design.

Irrespective if you’re working at home or in commercial life, both these scenarios involve a desk! A desk is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture in our modern lives, only because we spend the majority of our day on it. You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. And hence, your desk must be neat, tidy, and uncluttered. Not only will this improve your work routine and productivity, but it will also help you maintain a clearer and more streamlined mindset. And, I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving these goals! And if they’re Japanese products then rest assured they’re gonna be minimal, functional, and ergonomic. And we’ve curated a collection of smart and well-designed desk gear to help you achieve peak productivity. Happy working!

1. Levitating Pen 3.0

Dubbed the Levitating Pen, this sleek writing accessory features a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, letting you hold it with ease, and write seamlessly and smoothly. The pen floats at a 60-degree angle when it is resting in its specially designed stand, which instantly reminds you of a spacecraft floating about in the galaxy!

Click Here to Buy Now: $129

Why is it noteworthy?

This good-looking pen can be placed in its magnetized holder, which keeps it floating in position. You simply need to give the pen a little twist, and it will spin for 20 seconds, letting you have a playful experience with it.

What we like

• Easy and sturdy to hold and use
• Spinning the pen can be a fun stress-busting activity for you

What we dislike

• When placed on a curved surface the pen can easily roll off, so you need to keep it aside with care

2. Bookish Bookmark

Have you ever found yourself browsing through your favorite book on your desk, and you want to leave it open while you quickly grab a snack or a drink, but you can’t find anything to mark your place with?! Well, this is where the Bookish Bookmark comes in. It is a unique acrylic bookmark that also looks like a book!

Click Here to Buy Now: $65

Why is it noteworthy?

The second you look at the Bookish Bookmark, you know it is no ordinary bookmark. It is created to sit on your book, keeping it open for you as you sip some coffee, or chomp down on your favorite snacks. It lets you read while conducting other activities, but also ensures that the natural curved form of your book isn’t harmed.

What we like

• Protects the natural curved form of your book, doesn’t damage its binding or ruin its shape
• Lets you multitask while reading, you can sew or cook!

What we dislike

• If you place the bookmark on your desk unused, it won’t lay completely flat

3. Serenity Pen Stand

Called the Serenity Pen Stand, this Japanese minimalist design exudes a metallic hint and is created to hold your pen upright, keeping it ready to use. This pen stand ensures that you never really lose your pen, since pens can be easy to misplace, it keeps your pen in sight always.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39

Why is it noteworthy?

This minimal and sleek pen stand offers constant easy access to your pen, and making sure that you never lose it. Made using aluminum and copper, it functions as a well-balanced cylinder, that is designed to add a pop of personality and Japanese design ethos to your desk.

What we like

• Features a sleek minimal design that is easy to set up, use, and carry
• Equipped with a heavy copper bottom, offering a stable form

What we dislike

• Since the pen stand is quite minimal and compact, it can be easily misplaced
• There aren’t many color options to choose from

4. World Clock

If you’re someone who always ends up procrastinating, and often loses track of time, then the World Clock is what you need on your desk. It isn’t your everyday desk clock, and it has a unique dodecagonal shape with a single hand and a minimalist face. The innovative clock presents 12 time zones!

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

Why is it noteworthy?

With a unique design and form, the World Clock not only offers the correct information about your country, but also extra details on the time in other parts of the world. At first glance, you can tell the hour, but with a closer look, you can figure out which quarter of the hour it is.

What we like

• Has 12 sides with individual markings for a city that represents a certain timezone

What we dislike

• It features only 12 set time zones, so you will be missing out on some time zones

5. Mecricco Catch

Called the Mecricco Catch, these elastic page-turning aids are designed by Plus, and let you turn your paper products with ease. The aids feature an outer rib, which lets you hold the paper firmly, while the inner rib doesn’t let your fingers slip while you’re flipping through pages.

Why is it noteworthy?

These page-turning aids have a concave curve at the bottom, which lets you move your fingers around as you flip through pages. It has holes that offer ventilation, giving your fingers some room to breathe.

What we like

• An excellent option for those who have fancy nail jobs, and need to protect their fingers as they flip through pages

What we dislike

• Not a necessary item, if you’ve gone completely digital

6. The Scissors w/ Base

Dubbed the Scissors w/ Base, these unique scissors are equipped with a magnetic base which makes the design a cutting-edge one. This innovative design allows you to completely reshape and jazz up your workspace organization, making sure your scissors aren’t lying around creating clutter.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

Why is it noteworthy?

The scissors’ feature a magnet base which is a total game-changer, snagging a VIP spot on your desk. They are crafted from lustrous Japanese steel, and besides functioning as a pretty nifty tool, they also make a sleek and good-looking addition to your desk decor.

What we like

• The magnetic base can be utilized as a dedicated spot for your scissors
• Equipped with a built-in cutter, which is quite an innovative forward-thinking detail we appreciate

What we dislike

• Cannot function as an alternative to the heavy-duty scissors you need for difficult tasks

7. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter

Dubbed the Effortless Standing Letter Cutter, this nifty tool is something you defo need on your work desk. This simple tool can totally elevate your daily productivity and ensure you have a clean and well-maintained desk. The letter cutter also doubles up as a paperweight!

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

Why is it noteworthy?

The Effortless Standing Letter Cutter completely transforms an ordinary and standard office tool. You can cut through paper efficiently and effectively, while also functioning as a paperweight. It is an excellent solution for boosting productivity!

What we like

• The letter cutter cuts precisely leaving no mess behind
• Doubles up as a paperweight as well, maintaining an organized desk

What we dislike

• The letter cutter is not versatile enough to deal with intricate mail or bulkier packages

8. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil

Called the Everlasting All-Metal Pencil, this little pencil is an essential addition to your work desk. You can now bid farewell to the mundane cycle of pencil sharpening and dealing with annoying mechanical leads. You can harness creative ideas, and let them flow freely without any hindrance.

Click Here to Buy Now: $20

Why is it noteworthy?

This special pencil has been crafted with a special alloy core and has an aluminum body that doesn’t need to be sharpened. This pencil is a durable and practical writing instrument, and it leaves marks without causing any wear or tear to the core.

What we like

• Can be easily erased with regular erases
• Offers a seamless and smooth writing experience

What we dislike

• Doesn’t offer the same grip and comfort as traditional wooden pencils

9. Japanese Drawing Pad

Japanese paper is known for its stunning and premium quality and is quite loved by designers and artists. If you want to add some beautiful Japanese paper to your workdesk, then you need to get your hands on the Japanese Drawing Pad!

Click Here to Buy Now: $26

Why is it noteworthy?

This premium-quality pad allows you to jot down your thoughts and ideas without the fear of damaging the durable paper fibers. The pad builds an engaging, smooth, and relaxing writing experience.

What we like

• The paper is micro-perforated, which makes the paper to tear
• The pad is available in various colors and sizes, so you can pick the one that suits your drawing needs

What we dislike

• Aesthetically it looks like an ordinary pad, but the high quality is an experience, nothing something that can be seen

10. ASMR Zen Ball

This cute-looking ball is called the ASMR Zen Ball, and it merges natural and engineered elements to build a space-inspired design that offers a calming experience to its users. It has a meteorite-inspired porous surface which can serve as an excellent absorbent surface for your aroma oils as well.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99

Why is it noteworthy?

It is crafted from genuine volcanic stone and matte aluminum alloy. It also doubles up as a fidget toy, which offers an interactive experience, allowing users to connect with the natural energy of the earth.

What we like

• Functions as a fidget toy as well, which offers sensory stimulation

What we dislike

• If the ball is not attached to the base, it can get rolling due to accidental bumps

The post 10 Best Japanese Desk Gear To Achieve Peak Desk Productivity first appeared on Yanko Design.

The stationery from Royi looks nothing like the kind you’re used to – They make office supplies that have stories to tell. These stories teach us important lessons, like being honest and true to ourselves. Royi’s staplers and hard disks aren’t just regular—they’re see-through, showing us what’s inside. This makes us think about what’s really important. In this article, we’ll explore how Royi Stationery makes our daily tasks more meaningful. Join us as we discover the stories behind their creations and how they can change the way we see our workspace.

Designers: YoonJeong Lee, Hyobin Jeon, and yerin An

The tale of the naked king is a timeless fable that transcends generations. It speaks of a monarch consumed by vanity, whose obsession with outward appearances leads to his ultimate folly. This narrative, originating centuries ago, finds new life in Royi’s modern interpretation.

The story of the naked king serves as a poignant reminder of the risks of superficiality, urging individuals to look beyond the façade and introspect. Royi Stationery, through its thoughtful design choices, aims to evoke this reflection in everyday moments.

Imagine your everyday stapler but with a twist! A stapler that doesn’t hide what’s inside. It’s see-through, like a window into its inner workings. When you press it down, you can actually see the staple punching through the papers. It’s not just a regular stapler; it’s like a symbol of honesty and openness, reminding us of an old story about a king who learned the hard way about the importance of being true to oneself.

Now, think about your external hard disk. Normally, it’s just a box that holds your files. But what if you could see through it? You’d notice all the tiny parts inside, working hard to keep your data safe. That transparent casing isn’t just for show; it’s a reminder of how precious our information is and how much we rely on technology to protect it.

Even something as simple as a coin bank can tell a story. Imagine watching your coins pile up through a clear container. It’s like seeing your savings grow right before your eyes. Each coin becomes a tiny piece of freedom, echoing the dreams of a king who longed to break free from the constraints of his kingdom.

What makes Royi Stationery special is that they aren’t just products; they are stories. Each item is designed with a purpose, to remind us of important lessons and spark our imagination. In a world where looks often overshadow meaning, Royi Stationery stands out by putting the message front and center.

So, next time you reach for a stapler or plug in your hard disk, take a moment to think about the story behind it. A lot of times the story is lost behind the superficial aesthetic of products and the reason for their creation does not hold the value that it actually should. Objects can hold a lot of value if they come with a lesson just like this one. So that’s why this stationery set invites us to look beyond the surface and engage with our everyday objects in a meaningful way. It’s a gentle nudge to pause, reflect, and appreciate the wisdom hidden in the things we use every day.

The post This Transparent Stationery Kit Tells Stories Through Its Unconventional Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Who would have guessed something as simple as a ruler could get a dose of innovation for quality of life? Yes, that’s right as your trusted good old ruler can be way better than what you have lying in your drawer. Meet the 25° Ruler that’ll make all the rulers out there seem dated with its small changes that result in big benefits. Riding on the resounding success of the 30° Ruler this tool is a must-have for everyone who wants the assurance of millimeter perfection in everything that can be measured.

Designer: orangered life

Click Here to Buy Now: $26 Hurry! Only 4 Days Left! Raised over $100,000.

Made out of aerospace-grade aluminum, the lightweight ruler is built for unparalleled precision and durability. To ensure the measurements are perfect every time, the tool is laser-engraved with markings that don’t wear out or fade away with years of use. To make sure this resourceful ruler is useful for anyone out there – be it a student, homeowner, or a professional – there are five different sizes available for convenience. Of course, styling is not ignored here as you can get the 25° Ruler in five different color options as well.

The namesake derived from the angle of the ruler for the best ergonomic working position improves on the successful design of the 30° Ruler. A small improvement that goes a long way in improving usability is the positioning of the measurements of the marks at the bottom edge. So, at any point while using the ruler you don’t have to lean forward to read the markings, thereby enhancing the comfort of use and accuracy of readings taken. A good ruler should have a sharp edge but that can also be counterintuitive to safety – not the case with this ruler though. The hand holding the scale is naturally kept away from the blade with a teardrop-shaped design on the opposite side. This also makes it easy to pick up the ruler from smooth surfaces like a table.

Reading the ruler markings from a distance is very easy thanks to the clear and large fonts. To make sure the ruler is good enough for taking measurements in metric and imperial units. The dual-sided design has the millimeters, centimeters, and inches marked tactfully to make the easy transition. Accuracy is the key feature of the ruler as everything is labeled clearly. The biggest plus is the starting position at zero to ensure there are no blank spaces.

The 25° Ruler is available in five different sizes – the standard S, M, L, and the larger XL and XXL – each measuring 6 inches, 8 inches, 12 inches, 18 inches and 20 inches respectively. The peppy color options liven things up, so you can get the ruler in blue, green, black, white, or orange variants for a price starting at $26 for the standard-sized rulers, or $36 for the larger-sized ones in the early bird deals.

Click Here to Buy Now: $26 Hurry! Only 4 Days Left! Raised over $100,000.

Click Here to Buy Now: $26 Hurry! Only 4 Days Left! Raised over $100,000.

The post This Ergonomic Metal Ruler Is The Perfect Stationery EDC Hybrid first appeared on Yanko Design.

We all have our favorite writing instruments, be it an heirloom fountain pen or even a number 2 pencil. You’ll probably just stuff the latter in drawers or leave them strewn on your desk, but the pen that has been with you for years is something you’ll probably want to show off while keeping it within easy reach. Pen stands exist for that exact purpose, but some of them try to compete with the pen for attention. They have extravagant and luxurious designs that defeat the intention of putting your favorite pen on a pedestal. That’s the trap that this tiny pen stand tries to avoid by practically removing all non-essential features that prevent you from showing off your trusty writing partner.

Designer: Kairi Eguchi

Click Here to Buy Now: $35 $39 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, deal ends in 24 hours!

What stand could be simpler than an upright cylinder with a whole in the middle that’s just enough to fit a single pen? After all, a pen stand’s purpose is to hold the writing tool for easy access while showing it off when not in use. Anything else is just excess and waste that burdens the product both visually and functionally. That’s the kind of minimalist design that this small and simple stand embraces, but that doesn’t mean it’s a plain and boring desk accessory. In fact, it is ironically one of the most beautiful pen stands around, especially if you favor minimalist designs.

Your eyes will be immediately drawn to the stand’s diminutive size. At only 52.5mm (around 2 inches) tall, it has just enough space to hold a small portion of the pen, leaving the majority of the barrel unobstructed and free for everyone to behold. Despite its small size, however, the stand is able to, well, stand without tipping over due to the weight of the pen. In fact, the stand itself tilts a little bit to one side, an intentional design that makes it easier to pull out the pen quickly when you need to jot something down.

The trick to the Centroid Stand’s unbelievable feat is in its construction, which also accounts for its two-tone color finish. The top half of the stand is made from polished aluminum which gives it a stylish luster, while the lower half is made from heavier copper that shifts the center of gravity lower, making it more stable regardless of its tilt or the weight of the pen that it holds. These two dissimilar materials, joined together using a friction welding process, give the stand a rather distinct flavor, one that is both playful and elegant at the same time. Copper also develops a unique patina over time, adding to the stand’s character as it grows old with you.

Showcase your Everlasting All-Metal Pencil with the ultimate stand.

Beautiful in its simplicity and ingenious in its functionality, this ultra-minimalist pen stand offers a perfect view of the writing instrument that it holds. Due to its minimalist design, it is the perfect complement to equally minimalist pen designs, such as the Everlasting All-Metal Pencil that will last as long as this unconventional stand. It is a glowing example of how simple designs, when done right, can exude a kind of beauty that gently draws your eyes without distracting from the attention that your favorite pen or pencil rightfully deserves.

Click Here to Buy Now: $19.95.

The post This ultra-minimalist pen stand makes your writing partner the center of attention first appeared on Yanko Design.

It doesn’t matter where you’re working, whether at home or in a commercial life, both these scenarios involve a desk! A desk is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture in our modern lives, only because we spend the majority of our day on it. You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. And hence, your desk must be neat, tidy, and uncluttered. Not only will this improve your work routine and productivity, but it will also help you maintain a clearer and more streamlined mindset. And, I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving these goals! And we’ve curated a collection of smart and well-designed desk gear to help you achieve peak productivity. Happy working!

1. POD

This little minimalist timer is designed to help you enjoy the benefits of a Pomodoro timer, without having to depend on a clunky analog timer, especially one that will end up looking like an awkward little tomato on your desk. It has a simple and compact form that will occupy minimum space on your desk.

Why is it noteworthy?

Called POD, this innovative tool merges the feeling of an analog timer with the convenience and utility of an electronic device in a minimalist, simple, and appealing form. You can start the countdown by pushing the puck down like a button.

What we like

• It is minimally distracting and uses only flashing lights rather than vibrations or sounds to get your attention

What we dislike

• You need to replace the battery which can seem a bit annoying and tedious
• Quite tiny, so you can easily misplace it

2. Pen Fan

Named the Pen Fan, this unique stationery design is a must-have for your desk. It is intended to be a cross between a Pantone shade card, and a stationery set. It holds 8 different flat-head sketch pens in a set that is compact, neat, and easy-to-carry along everywhere with you.

Why is it noteworthy?

The various pens of the Pen Fan are interconnected, which forms an adorable Japanese-fan-style layout that beautifully showcases all 8 colors, allowing you to pick and choose from them. The pens are detachable, so you can quite easily snap them on and off, building a palette that caters to you.

What we like

Easy-to-carry and portable set

Eliminates the risk of misplacing the pens

What we dislike

• There are only 8 colors to pick from, which can be limiting. There could have been more color options

3. Serenity Pen Stand

Dubbed the Serenity Pen Stand, this minimalist design features a metallic hint that is designed to hold your pen upright, keeping it ready for you to use. And since pens are quite easy to use, this pen stand makes sure you never lose track of your prized pen, and that it is always in your sight.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39

Why is it noteworthy?

The Serenity Pen Stand makes sure that you will always have easy access to your pen, protecting it, and ensuring you never lose it. It is made using aluminum and copper and makes for a well-balanced cylinder, that will add a burst of color and personality to your work desk.

What we like

• Has a heavy copper bottom, that will lower the center of gravity, providing it with a stable form
• Has a sleek minimal design that is easy to set up and carry

What we dislike

• It is quite small in size and can be easily misplaced
• Not a lot of color options to pick from

4. World Clock

If you often find yourself lagging, and unable to complete tasks in the required time, then you may want to consider this unique clock design to keep a check on the time. Called the World Clock, this isn’t your typical desk clock, and it features a dodecagonal shape, with only one hand and a minimalist face.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

Why is it noteworthy?

The World Clock has an innovative design and form, as it not only gives you the correct info about your country but also some fun extra details on the time in other parts of the world. With one glance, you can tell the hour, while a closer look will tell you which quarter of the hour it is.

What we like

• Features 12 sides that have individual markings for a city that represent a particular timezone

What we dislike

• The  World Clock has only 12 set time zones, so you may miss out on some other time zones

5. Planet Pins

Called the Planet Pins, this colorful and quirky little creation is hand-painted planet pins that look like the solar system. It includes eight extraterrestrial shapes, each one hand-painted and stored in a compact polished acrylic display case. The pins were hand-painted in Tokyo.

Why is it noteworthy?

The pins include Mercury in metallic silver, Venus in metallic gold, Earth in painted blue and green, Jupiter in yellow, dark orange, and translucent orange, Mars in red, Saturn in yellow with a metallic silver ring, Uranus in a metallic blue with a metallic silver ring, and Neptune in blue and a lovely white.

What we like

• Delivered in serial-numbered display cases, so when not in use, you can store them in the boxes and display them

What we dislike

• The pins are quite tiny, so you can easily misplace them if they’re not handled with care

6. Precision Sakura Metal Puzzle

Named the Precision Metal Sakura Puzzle, this little puzzle will give your brain the satisfying yet challenging game it needs. It is shaped after Japan’s most iconic flowers, and the pieces look so similar, that you’ll be wondering where to put them and how to place them together!

Click Here to Buy Now: $299

Why is it noteworthy?

As you assemble the metal puzzle, it will take on the shape of Japan’s iconic sakura flowers. The little puzzle is made from mirror-finish stainless steel with tiny pieces that seamlessly and perfectly fit together, challenging your mind, and putting your brain to the test.

What we like

• Compact, no-frills design that you can carry anywhere with you

What we dislike

• It can be challenging to put together, so it is not the best option for users who want a relaxing puzzle-making experience

7. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter

Called the Effortless Standing Letter Cutter, this little tool is one of the essentials you need on your work desk. It is a simple tool that can boost your daily productivity, and help you maintain an organized desk, as it doubles up as a paperweight as well!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Effortless Standing Letter Cutter reimagines a standard office cool, and cuts through your paper efficiently and effectively, while also doubling up as a chick paperweight, that ensures your desk is neat, clean, and tidy. It is the ultimate solution for boosting productivity!

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

What we like

• Cuts precisely leaving no messy scraps behind
• Functions as a paperweight as well, ensuring less clutter on your desk

What we dislike

• Not versatile enough to deal with bulkier packages or intricate mail

8. Blocco Calculator

The Blocco Calculator is a functional and aesthetic calculator, unlike other ordinary calculators on the market. The calculator perfectly merges precision and beauty in a sincere and minimalist form, functioning as a visually attractive addition to your desk. It occupies minimum space on your desk while doing its job.

Why is it noteworthy?

The calculator features an ergonomic and universal design which is great for both left-handed and right-handed users. It has an angular chamfered surface that ensures effortless and quick typing while elevating the calculator’s visual appeal.

What we like

• The calculator projects calculations onto the paper
• Aesthetic and good-looking design

What we dislike

• The usage is limited, as the calculator needs a flat surface to project the equations out clearly

9. Everlasting All Metal Pencil

The Everlasting All-Metal Pencil is a much-needed addition to your desk! It lets you bid farewell to the eternal cycle of pencil sharpening and dealing with mechanical leads. It allows you to harness your creative ideas, and let them flow freely without any hindrance.

Click Here to Buy Now: $20

Why is it noteworthy?

The special pencil has been crafted with a special alloy core and features an aluminum body that doesn’t need any sharpening. It leaves marks without wearing down the core, making it quite a practical and durable writing instrument.

What we like

• Easily erased by regular erasers
• Provides a smooth and seamless writing experience

What we dislike

• The pencil doesn’t provide the same grip and comfort as traditional wooden pencils

10. ForeverPen

Named the ForeverPen, this unique pen is made from Ti + Ag, and it sits neatly on your desk! It is said to be the world’s smallest inkless pen and doesn’t need refilling ever. You can even write underwater with it, or open boxes – it isn’t an ordinary everyday pen.

Why is it noteworthy?

The ForeverPen is made from a specialist Silver composite, and you can combine it with the material of your choice. It measures only one inch in length and can jot down all your notes, while also letting you slide open packages and boxes.

What we like

• Easy-to-carry and portable design
• Functions as much more than just a simple pen

What we dislike

• It is not the best option for users with big hands, as they may find it tough to hold
• Quite tiny, and you can easily lose it

The post 10 Best Compact + Space-Saving Gear For An Organized Work Desk first appeared on Yanko Design.

There are plenty of tips and pieces of advice on how to decrease stress levels at work, particularly on your desk. Keep your workspace clean and tidy, put objects and pictures that inspire, and add green plants that remind you to take breaks and live. The latter, however, isn’t always possible in all environments, and some might not be too keen on the added responsibility of keeping that plant alive, even if it’s a succulent. That’s not to say you have to give up the benefits of having some green on your desk, especially not with this collection of accessory concept designs that try to bring life to your work by taking inspiration from Nature’s miracle workers.

Designers: Gahnghyun Yi, Jiwon Lee, Chaeyeon Ha

Plants have long been a source of inspiration for creators of all disciplines, including scientists, engineers, architects, and, of course, designers. The natural beauty these silent creatures possess is surprisingly not that easy to recreate, but we can easily distill the essence of their forms and translate them into designs that hold meaning in our lives. These desk accessories, for example, try to nudge your mind to think about real greenery, eliciting the same emotions of peacefulness, calm, and relaxation that a plant would bring if it were actually standing on your desk.

It’s not a literal imitation, of course; just an interpretation of the basic forms and shapes that plants possess. The Greenery Pencil Holder, for example, is a cylinder with a curved plate partially wrapped around it at an angle, almost like a bamboo stem with a leaf growing out of it. This “leaf” actually functions as a container as well, creating two spaces to place your pens, pencils, and other long stationery tools.

The Greenery Clock is a bit more abstract in comparison, with a stem that curves upward and a leaf that droops down from the top, forming a minimalist digital clock. There is actually a second leaf that’s less visible since it’s lying flat on the desk, creating a space to put small items on. The latter design is repeated in the Greenery Tray with two horizontal “leaves” providing the same flat container. What makes it different, other than the lack of a clock, are the elongated “stems” that act as a hook for hanging key rings and other items.

The Greenery Cable Holder is admittedly a bit of a stretch to imagine as leaves growing on a leaf vein. After all, it’s just a set of circles with cutouts for inserting a cable. One side of the circle is flat, allowing the cable holder to be stuck on desks or walls. With this set, you can add some green hues to your desk without sacrificing space, deriving both utility and aesthetic from simple designs, thanks to some inspiration from Mother Nature.

The post Plant-inspired desk accessories bring a sense of calm to your work life first appeared on Yanko Design.