Educational Tool

Original Challenge:	Markers
Concept Contributor:	Miruna & Ruwayna
Date:	May 2006

Metacycle used markers to an educational tool

Problem:
Markers are widely used in offices, schools and homes. Most markers are cheap and many are used only once. Therefore, the amount of discarded markers is enormous. These discarded markers contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which reacts with nitrogen oxide in the presence of sunlight. This produces a low level ozone, which is an air pollutant and a contributor to smog. The purpose of metacycling used markers is to minimize the environmental impact.

Description:
We have created an educational tool by adding fixed and rotating snap lock joints with 3-prong grip to existing markers.

Three types of joints were developed:

* Hexagonal (60, 120, 180 etc degrees)
* Octagonal (45, 90, 135, 180 etc degrees)
* Perpendicular (helicopter style)

Each joint is limited to a fixed position and can be placed anywhere on the pen. To attach pens at varying angles from one another, a variety of different joints from the family are needed. Joints that have movable hexagonal or octagonal male and female parts that lock into position once the pen is inserted. One joint can provide several different angle possibilities. The 3-prong approach allows the joints to fit directly beside each other.

Critique:
Pros: The added advantage of fitting side by side.
- When prongs fit into one and other, their geometry forces them to lock the pens onto one plane, hence creating a flat wall. To create an angle, pieces can be placed apart rather than within one another.
- The snapping feel, sound, and ease of use all provide positive physical feedback to the user. It is clear when a piece has correctly snapped on and the geometry’s explicit nature makes the pieces` intended functions easy to understand.
Cons: It is crucial to build these parts vertically oriented as the prongs are small and can delaminate easily if they are built parallel to a machine layer.