QuickDispense

Initial Idea

It started with a simple observation: every sticky note dispenser on the market only supports interleaved "pop-up" pads. Users who buy standard sticky note pads, which is by far the most common type, have no dispenser option.

Our team set out to design the first-ever dispenser for non-interleaving sticky notes, enabling one-handed use without tearing or pulling multiple notes at once.

Using SolidWorks for CAD and 3D printing for rapid prototyping, I focused on developing a geometry and lip mechanism that allows clean single-sheet peeling.

Business Insight and Market Opportunity

During the research phase, our team identified a clear gap in the current market: every commercial sticky note dispenser is designed exclusively for interleaved sticky note pads. These models are proprietary to Post-it, effectively locking consumers into their product ecosystem and preventing compatibility with the more common non-interleaving pads made by multiple other brands.

From a business perspective, this dependency not only limits consumer choice but also introduces unnecessary cost. A 12-pack of standard sticky note (100 sheets each) typically retails for $16.99, while an equivalent 12-pack of interleaved pads for dispenser costs about $20.99, a 23.5% price increase per sticky note.

The Non-Interleaving Sticky Note Dispenser eliminates this constraint by accommodating standard sticky note pads, which are produced by a variety of manufacturers. This not only lowers the long-term cost for users but also broadens accessibility for students, office workers, and creators who already rely on non-interleaving pads.

Essentially, by targeting the most common format of sticky notes, this dispenser is designed to disrupt a single-brand and introduce a more universal, cost-effective alternative that benefits everyday users.

Design Process

The design process began with the goal of creating a dispenser compatible with non-interleaving sticky notes, allowing users to peel a single note with one hand, something existing dispensers can't do.

The current design features:

Sloped interior base where sticky note rests so that upon release, the note slides back down the incline, making it easily accessible for the next use
Upper peeling edge which the sticky edge will contact, cleanly separating the sticky note from the pad without any tear/lifting of multiple sheets
Extra storage slot beneath the ramp to hold extra pads
Added cover to prevent dust from entering the product
Adhesive bumper pads added to the bottom for no-slip when peeling a sticky note

*Passive sliding mechanism eliminates the need for springs or moving parts, relying solely on geometric control and surface angle to reset the note stack naturally

Sliding Mechanism

The sliding behavior of the sticky note pad is driven entirely by physics rather than mechanical components. This final version uses a precisely calculated incline of 16.79°, enabling the pad to reset itself naturally after each peel. Theoretical friction calculations showed that this angle corresponds to a μₛ of approximately 0.3017, but testing revealed that paper-on-PLA friction is significantly higher due to 3D-printed surface texture. As a result, the pad did not slide reliably on its own. To overcome this, a thin layer of Teflon tape was integrated into the ramp surface, reducing friction enough to restore consistent sliding without altering geometry. This modification ensured predictable behavior and proved that passive mechanical design, supported by material selection, could achieve the reliability typically expected from spring-driven mechanisms.

Ramp

The ramp in the final dispenser design serves as the primary staging surface for active sticky note pads. Its geometry was carefully shaped to support two full pads at once, ensuring the dispenser maintains long-term usability without needing frequent refills. Earlier prototypes struggled with inconsistent pad movement and restricted internal space, but the redesigned ramp incorporates increased height and length, creating a smoother pathway and a more open interior layout. This allowed the ramp to perform multiple functions: holding pads securely, positioning them at the correct angle for peeling, and providing a stable platform for repeated daily use. The ramp is no longer just a sliding surface, it's the structural backbone of the dispenser’s entire workflow.

*Section view of the dispenser showcasing the ramp*

Protective Cover

The final prototype includes a custom-designed protective cover engineered to shield the sticky notes from dust, dirt, and general desk contamination while maintaining a seamless aesthetic with the dispenser body. The cover is not a simple flat lid; it incorporates a precision-modeled inclined edge that matches the angle of the dispenser’s peeling lip. This geometric pairing ensures a secure, flush fit that prevents the cover from shifting while also reinforcing the visual continuity of the overall design. To further stabilize the cover during placement and removal, it features two integrated dowel-like pin extrusions, which align with matching hole cutouts on the dispenser. These pins act as locating features, guiding the cover into the correct position and preventing unwanted lateral movement or accidental detachment. Because the cover is 3D-printed as a separate component, it allows for flexible material or color customization while preserving structural strength and dimensional accuracy. Functionally, it guarantees that the sticky notes remain clean and adhesive-ready even in environments where dust accumulation is common, greatly extending the usability and durability of the product. The result is a protective system that is both mechanically secure and visually refined, complementing the dispenser’s core functionality without introducing unnecessary complexity.

Extra Storage Slot

One of the major advantages discovered during the final design phase was the unused interior volume beneath the ramp. Instead of leaving this space empty, the design incorporates a dedicated storage compartment capable of holding two full sticky note pads. Combined with the two pads that can sit on the ramp, the dispenser can store all four pads that typically come in a retail pack—turning it into both a dispenser and a long-term organizer. This eliminates the common problem of scattered or misplaced pads and reduces the need for constant restocking. The added storage dramatically enhances user convenience, making the dispenser a more complete and self-contained desktop solution.

Packaging

To complement the final prototype, I designed a custom packaging system that not only protects the dispenser during transport but also serves a functional second life. The packaging is constructed from a 12 × 24 inch sheet of 1/8-inch MDF, laser-cut into interlocking puzzle-like components. Each piece was first modeled in SolidWorks and exported as a DXF file, then imported into Adobe Illustrator, where I applied the required color-coded vector and raster assignments for the laser cutter. Through this process, I learned to precisely control raster engraving, vector scoring, and vector cutting, ensuring that the machine recognized each operation correctly. Once cut, the pieces fit together using a tab-and-slot system that requires no adhesives, making the assembly straightforward while preserving structural strength.

Beyond simply housing the dispenser, the packaging was intentionally designed as a dual-purpose product to avoid waste. When assembled, the MDF enclosure transforms into a small modular platform that can be used as a desk organizer, a raised storage surface, or even a phone stand, as shown in the images. This approach adds both utility and aesthetic value; the natural wood finish complements the purple dispenser while reinforcing a sustainability-minded design philosophy. Instead of becoming disposable packaging, the laser-cut box extends the user experience and ensures that every part of the project has a long-lasting, meaningful purpose.

Testing and Evaluation

We conducted user testing with 15 participants from Northeastern University, measuring:

Peel success rate (no tearing or double pulls)
Ease of use (1-5 satisfaction scale)
Time to peel a single note compared to traditional dispensers

Feedback helped refine the design and confirm that the angled lip mechanism performed consistently across multiple pad types

Future Steps

Integrate spring-loaded lip mechanism for smoother paper separation
Scale product size to a smaller design to reinforce space optimization for the user
Add color customization and logo engraving for personalization

Additional Photos/Videos