User Experience of a Handheld Stapler
UX Research / Product Design
Semester Project
This project was assigned to us in our design methods class, in groups of three. The task was to apply the design methodologies to the problems at hand.
Problem Statement - 'Redesign a Stapler'
Our Approach
Problem Space
Understand & define context, market & users.
User Study
Understand users and usage in specific contexts.
Solution Space
Problem Definition & Design Solution.
Secondary Research
Users & Context of Use
We looked at different contexts and user categorisation when it comes to usage of staplers.
Context
Physical Context
Offices, Schools & Homes
Ergonomics
Accessibility
Cultural Context
Education & Corporate
Digital Shift
Economic Context
Affordability
Market trade offs
Market Saturation
Environmental Context
Staple Free Designs
Recyclability
Metal waste
Users
Primary Users
Students
Teachers & Professors
Office Workers
Library Staff
Secondary Users
Stationary Shopkeepers
Print Shops
Management Staff
Tertiary Users
Manufacturers
Distributors
Organisations
Retailers
Invisible Stakeholders
Environment
Recyclers
Future Generations
Primary contexts of offices and educational institutes can be explored for the study.
User studies can focus on Office Workers & Students.
Market Segmentation
We looked at the segmentation based on product types and buyer preferences.
Product
Type
Manual
Electric
Heavy-Duty
Portable
Plier
Material
Plastic
Metal
Hybrid= Metal + Plastic
Application
Office
Home
School
Industrial
Healthcare
Capacity
Standard- 20 S
High- 21-50 S
Heavy Duty- 50+ S
Buyers
Psychographic
Aesthetic Buyers
Value Buyers
Safety/Health-Oriented
Behavioral
Heavy-Duty Users
Eco-Conscious Users
Problem Solvers
Demographic
Administrative Professionals
Students & Academics
Users with Low Dexterity
Geographic
Corporate Centers
Home Office
Emerging Markets
Opportunity in catering to new trends such as eco friendly stapling.
Competitors
Some of the direct competitors from indian market. Basic categories being the market leaders, art focused, global brands and small brands.
Kangaro
Indian Market Leaders
Broad Range
Durability
Incremental Features
DOMS Industries,
Kokuyo Camlin
Domestic Stationery Giants
Mass Market,
Student/Art Focus
Price-Sensitive
Rely on strong- distribution networks.
MAX (Japan), Rapid (Swedish),
Swingline (USA), Deli (China)
Global/Imported Brands
Premium
Specialty Features
High-end electric models
Flat Clinch technology
Mangoose, etc
Niche/Small Suppliers
Budget Pricing
Local Distribution
Basic Functionality
Budget range commonly used by students, and in offices is an area to target.
Our focus from here was to look at the commonly used handheld stapler, in primary contexts of offices and educational institutes.
Primary Research
In the user study, we first did a self talk analysis, then visited several locations as narrowed down from secondary research and observed people using the staplers
Task Analysis
Each member of the team performed the usual stapling action and we noted the observations.
Phase 1 : Preparation (Pre-Stapling)
Retrieve Stapler and Paper
Check Stapler Status
Orient and Align Papers
Phase 2 : Execution (The Stapling Action)
Position Paper
Hold Paper and Stapler
Press & feel the stapling confirmation
Release and Remove
Phase 3 : Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Refill/Reload Stapler
Clear a Jam
Two things we noticed were the jamming when used for large set of papers and the difficulty finding pins when needed.
Contextual Enquiry
We visited a workspace, a higher education institute and stationary shops.
Office staff using a heavy duty stapler
Govt. College of Art & Crafts
Target Users- Students & Office staff
State Council of Education Research and Training Office (SCERT)
Target Users- Admin & Office staff
Stationary/Xerox Shops
Target Users- Stationary staff
We did a verbal interview with a set of questions, regarding the usage of stapler. And afterwards asked the staff to perform the action and made observations.
Here are the highlights from the interviews-
User/Place
Communication
Observations
Manas Da
SCERT
"Last time I used it was last week... I don't do any stapling work if the page is more than 10."
Uses a medium-sized stapler for personal, low-volume tasks.
Frustrated by the unreliability of pins (supply), not able to find both pins and stapler when asked.
Staff Worker
SCERT
Said he staples "more than 60 but not above 100." When asked about whether he feels pressure when using it, he said, "No."
Visibly hard for him while pressing the stapler, contradicting his verbal response. He was physically straining.
High-volume stapling is a dedicated task. There is an unacknowledged physical strain (pain point) despite denial. Current equipment limit is being pushed.
Office Staff
Govt. College of Art & Crafts
“Stapling load is reduced currently” “Pehle jyada rehta tha.”
Stapling needs have significantly decreased in this environment, possibly due to digital processes or reduced paperwork.
Current needs are very low-volume.
Didi
Stationary Shop
"No one buys here. People use the stapler sometimes, which is already used stapler... 5-7 max staple at once."
The stapler for sale was visibly dusted.
Stapler sales may be infrequent or stock is not prioritised.
Staplers are now considered a service item (like a small amenity) rather than a purchasable item in local retail. Customer volume is very low (less than 10 pages).
Key Observations
Finding pins & staplers is a problem.
Heavy workload needs better ergonomics.
Stapling needs have reduced, possibly because of digitisation.
Questionaire
After the interviews and observations, we gave a questionnaire to the institution staff that we had visited, and among the IITG students, for further understanding.
The questionnaire covered user, context, product, pain points, preferences, and subjective experiences.
We had 74 total responses. Here are the types of data samples we collected-
Qualitative Insights
We had 74 total responses. Here are the types of data samples we collected-
Most usage occurs in Schools & Offices
Mostly used product is Handheld Stapler
Most stapling range use is 1-5 sheets (48%) & 5-10 (29%)
Most users find staplers easy & comfortable to use - around 70%
About 30% Users faced difficulties/injuries using staplers throughout their life
Most Users are willing to pay ₹50- ₹100 (47%) for stapler that solves their faced problems.
While a fourth of them are willing to pay ₹100- ₹200 (25%)
Subjective Data Grouping
We grouped the data into categories of problems faced by users.
One surprising insight was that about 30% of users reported experiencing difficulties or injuries. The injuries were mostly reported to have happened in childhood.
So, the problems to solve became clear-
To simplify the pin loading process & To make it safe for children.
Contexutal Enquiry II
To further understand the problem, we visited two school premises. One being a Kindergarten and another a high school.
The questionnaire covered user, context, product, pain points, preferences, and subjective experiences.
We had 74 total responses. Here are the types of data samples we collected-
Qualitative Insights
We had 74 total responses. Here are the types of data samples we collected-
Subjective Data Grouping
We grouped the data into categories of problems faced by users.
One surprising insight was that about 30% of users reported experiencing difficulties or injuries. The injuries were mostly reported to have happened in childhood.
So, the problems to solve became clear-
To simplify the pin loading process & To make it safe for children.