Sanford, A Division of Newell-Rubbermaid, and Insight Product Development Receive 'User Centered Product Design' Award by the Human Factors Ergonomic Society
December 9, 2005 – Insight Product Development, a world-class developer of award-winning products, announced today that the Expo© dry eraser marker developed in collaboration with Sanford, a global leader in writing instruments received the User Centered Product Design Award by the Human Factors Ergonomic Society (HFES).
"We're pleased to be recognized," commented Phil Dolci, vice president and general manager of Expo©. "This award is a true reflection of how the research, design, and engineering all worked together to redefine the dry erase marker experience for work, home and play." The Expo dry erase marker and eraser system designed by Insight is the first ever to support writing on a vertical surface. The new marker also includes the first ever built-in replaceable eraser - making it easier for people to quickly erase with more precision. The markers feature a one-of-a-kind grip and contoured barrel as well as a gripped cap for easy capping and uncapping.
"We changed the way people use dry erase markers as a way to communicate," commented Ed Geiselhart, senior manager of design at Insight PD. "We took the guess work out of identifying the color of the marker, added a grip cap that reduced the likelihood of people getting ink on their fingers, improved the shape and contour, and gave people instant access and storage by developing an on-the-board docking station for their markers, erasers and board cleaner.".
In addition to designing the dry erase marker, Insight also designed two erasers that provide 'peel away' surfaces that reduce the likelihood of people using dirty erasers that fail to clean well. The larger eraser is designed for users who use white boards extensively and typically need to erase the entire board on a repeated basis such as educators, while the smaller eraser which comes with an attached cleaning spray bottle is ideal for wiping an area or section of the board without losing the ability to retain areas that don't require erasing.
To overcome the frustration of misplaced dry erase markers and erasers, Insight developed an on-the-board docking station for both the markers and the erasers that can be placed anywhere on the board. To learn more about how to get the most out of using Expo dry erase markers at home, in the office or at school, please visit www.expomarkers.com.
About Expo©
One of Sanford's most popular brands, Expo© is the leader in dry erase markers, accessories and white board surfaces. Sanford, a business of Newell Rubbermaid Inc., is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office organization, including such well known brands as Paper Mate©, Sharpie©, Parker©, Waterman©, Foohy©, uni-ball© and Rolodex©, among others. Sanford makes more than 6,000 products, ranging from markers, pens and pencils to professional art products, fine writing instruments and office organization products. For more information on Expo, go to www.expomarkers.com.
The Human Factors Ergonomics Society (HFES)
The Society's mission is to promote the discovery and exchange of knowledge concerning the characteristics of human beings that are applicable to the design of systems and devices of all kinds. Founded in 1957, the Society has 22 technical groups and numerous local and student chapters. For more information, please visit www.hfes.org.
Press Contact
Tara Prasad
Manager, Marketing and PR
773.907.0100 x255
tprasad(at)insightpd.com