Craftsman Stapler
Craftsman set out to refresh its fastening tool category with a stapler that could outperform legacy models in both power and comfort. This project delivered an ergonomic, reverse-action stapler that improves usability, communicates staple orientation clearly, and simplifies the purchasing experience—bringing meaningful innovation to a familiar tool.
COMPANY: STANLEY BLACK & DECKER
Year
2021
-
Develop a new Craftsman stapler that replaces aging designs and strengthens the brand’s position in the fastening category. The goal was to increase power, improve ergonomics, and deliver a better experience for end users.
-
Multiple rounds of functional prototypes were created and tested across common use cases. These models supported field research and user validation, helping refine grip comfort, trigger mechanics, and application performance.
-
The final design introduced a smaller hand span, improved staple exit visibility, and enhanced user confidence through better ergonomics and labeling. It brought a clear user benefit while differentiating Craftsman in a competitive category.
refreshing a core product for modern users
Craftsman aimed to reestablish leadership in the fastening category by replacing outdated stapler models with a more capable, user-friendly tool. This project focused on understanding user frustrations—like hand fatigue and confusion over staple orientation—and delivering a solution that addressed those gaps while aligning with brand values.
designing for comfort and clarity
Field testing and user research revealed key opportunities to improve both the tool and the overall user experience. Ergonomic refinements—such as a reduced hand span and improved grip geometry—were guided by real-world feedback, resulting in a stapler that performs comfortably over extended use.
Beyond the tool itself, research also uncovered confusion at retail around staple compatibility. In response, a new label design was introduced using the standard staple gauge, helping users shop with confidence and reducing friction at the point of purchase.