Karena's Brief:

The University Stationery Puzzle Box is shaped like a notebook [book] and its goal is to draw in more potential customers for University Stationery Company The intention is to advocate for local businesses in central square [instead of big-box retailers] by designing interactive activities that differ from typical advertisements you might see.

University Stationery Co. is a family run company which has been in business for 89 years. The Project is a puzzle box shaped like a notebook so that it’s related to the theme of Stationary/supply objects. This project exists because many local family-run businesses that have been a staple in Central Square for years and years are going out of business one by one and being replaced with big-box retailers like Target. The University Stationary Puzzle Box was made using the software program, Rhinoceros and then cut out by a laser cutter in thin wood.  The original goal of the project was for University Stationery Company to use the design and have it out as an interactive activity for regular and possible customers. 

Tinna's Brief:

On a daily basis, people are exposed to an incredible amount of information. According to various market research companies, consumers are flooded with over 5,000 interchangeable, unmemorable advertisements every day. That number is 10 time higher than in the 1970s. A design like the Stationery Company Puzzle Box opens up new possibilities for drawing attention to businesses, in this case a small local company at the heart of Central Square.

The Stationery Company Puzzle Box is designed in the shape of a notebook to evoke the products and services the University Stationery Company provides. To solve the puzzle, the users need to find the secret opening mechanism, a small flap hidden on the edge of the box. That pulls out a secret compartment. Inside is another box containing an invitation for the user to go into the store to pick up a prize or a treat. This brings new visitors into the store and can potentially increase sales, but it also increases social interaction and encourages community engagement between local residents and their local businesses. This is a key driver of a healthy economy.

Small business are a large contributor to economic growth and job creation, but their existence is threatened by large national chains that can offer low prices through economy of scale and large distribution channels. The University Stationery Company, is a landmark on Central Square and has been operated for generations. Now, Target and Amazon with their large marketing budgets, product selection and low prices have had a big impact on the store's revenue. The Puzzle box is a fun, inexpensive interactive way to bring new customers into the store and keep The University Stationery Company on the map.