Tape Dispenser [MUJI Inspired]
Process Book Highlight Pages for the Original Concept. Won Best in Innovation during sophomore studio :D
Process Book Highlight Pages for the Modified Tape Dispenser. This is for the Dean's College of Design Advancement Council
WHAT: This was a sophomore industrial design studio project at Iowa State University where I designed a tape dispenser and pen holder inspired by MUJI’s brand language. The goal was to create a workspace object that felt like it could belong in MUJI’s existing product collection, with a focus on simple form, honest material, low branding, and everyday usability.
HOW: I started with brand research, sketches, storyboard studies, and function testing to understand how the tape would load, cut, stay accessible, and integrate with the pen holder. Through foam, plywood, and wood prototypes, I tested size, blade placement, tape access, magnet placement, and pen-holder details. The final design is a walnut magnetic tape dispenser with an integrated pen holder, magnetic cap, and aluminum blade. My favorite functional detail is how the tape stays slightly exposed after each cut, making the next piece easy to grab without needing extra space to scoop it up.
RESULT: During final presentation, the Chair & Dean of my major recognized the project. The Dean requested 30 custom tape dispensers for the College of Design Advancement Council. I also received “Best in Innovation” from my studio, and the second production phase taught me about repeatability, jigs, CNC limitations, material consistency, and small-batch production.
FULL PROCESS BOOK: https://canva.link/h69pmp1qmntb6f3