Non-Interleaving Sticky Note Dispenser

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
Upper peeling edge which the sticky edge will contact, cleanly separating the sticky note from the pad without any tear/lifting of multiple sheets
Upon release, the note slides back down the incline, making it easily accessible for the next use

*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

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