Stationery Design is a part of what we know as classic designs. These classic designs are timeless designs, with functionality at their core that allows them to be useful across generations. One such example is the classic three-side long tail clip (what we also know as the binder clip) that has remained virtually unchanged until we came across this redesign by JaiYi Cai.

JaiYi identified that the existing clip, while doing wonders to hold the paper in place also faces some ergonomic troubles – firstly, the pin’s handles tend to slip when we apply force to it. Secondly, the pressure points in the design are the creases in the pin which take the entire load, causing them to crack. On identifying these concerns JiaYi applied her design skills to transform the classic, and take it to the next generation along with us with the four-side long tail clip! The four-side long tail clip makes two simple yet radical changes – it elongates the handle of the pin, allowing us to apply the same amount of pressure while exerting lesser force and it adds a new pressure line, halfway through the design, helping relieve the pressure on traditional three creasings. The revised handle can save 50% of the lever force by using the lever principle to move the bearing point forward while the quadrilateral long-tail clamp body distributes a more uniform load, solving the disadvantage of finger pain. This design evolution is the best of product design – retaining the best of the design’s existing functionality while staying close to its existing form that is an intrinsic part of our memories.

Suitable for turning pages, using 13% lesser material and with four sizes available to choose from, the four-side long tail clip makes a subtle yet long-lasting impact on our relationship with our stationery. It’s true what they say, small things can make a big impact and this four-side long tail clip is a must-have for all of us stationery aficionados!

Designers: JiaYi Cai, JiaLiang Cai and Zhiping Chen.