Paper Mates created this unique mechanical pencil by combining a standard lead pencil’s external design with an intricate internal composition. This writing utensil is one of the few mechanical pencils that does not allow for lead refills. In this sense, it is disposable, encouraging the consumer to repurchase the item. Additionally, its internal design includes a shock-absorbent spring that continuously adapts to the user-applied pressure. This feature produces writing with constant lead density, a result rarely found among standard or mechanical pencils. However, I am particularly interested in why Paper Mates decided to combine this innovative internal design with an exterior that is reminiscent of the original #2 pencil. After all, this simple external design choice hides the enclosed complexity of the pencil. Thus, this mechanical pencil is a modest product, an unsuspectingly advanced writing utensil.
