My God, it's full of stars!


On the ever continuous journey in the appreciation of beauty in the little things we create, I was recently visiting my favorite local independent bookstore when I noticed a new display had been set up featuring a mysterious black box. It remained completely and ombinously inert. Its mystery drew me in, as I wondered whether it emitted radio emissions aimed at Jupiter...

Nearing the matte black box, the ambient lighting revealed glossy black lettering overtop the box. "Pencil Sharpener?" I said out loud, with excitement.

The owner excitedly informed me I was welcome to open the box and see the beautiful sharpener the box contained. The box slid open with ease, revealing a gorgeous slightly-onyx black metal sharpener, seated perfectly in black foam, inside a black box. I removed the pencil sharpener from the box and rested it on the counter.

"I was only allowed to order three." the owner told me in a hushed voice, as if he feared disrupting it from its slumber.

I paused. I was awed with its beauty, but confused by feelings of familiarity. I'd never seen this sharpener before... but yet, I felt like I had.

Looking back at the owner, I shared an epiphany: "I have this same sharpener at home. It's not all black... but..." pausing, I pulled out my phone and like a proud grandparent sharing photos of their grandkids, I pulled up a photo of my pencil sharpener and we talked about how the gold and wood grain worked in the broader context of my desk.

There's a lot of well-thought out intent behind the design: The shavings drawer opens through a discrete channel in the back. The handle has a dial that allows you set the sharpening depth. The bottom has a texture that allows it to grip whatever surface it rests on. There's also a small unique unit number etched in the back to remind you of its uniqueness. 

I may not build physical products, but I love lingering on well-designed products and think about how to approach virtual products with the same intentionality. As a friend once commented: "Some may not notice when beautiful design is there, but  most will notice when it's missing."

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