Designing the Measure Collection
After finishing the desk shelf system design, our lead designer Sean Kelly was inspired to consider the tools on your desk, starting with a ruler. Rulers measure. They straighten. They give you bearing. But Sean was curious to incorporate new forms and new processes that we had developed over the years, to design a measuring tool that was quite a bit different.
SEAN KELLY (Lead Product Designer): A ruler is an obvious part of the workspace. I was excited to push the design and take what we’d learned in metal machining to make something unique.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=39e7aebb92f3cfd2a534da1e6beaa1a9 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=477ecbeaf2d21e5d3d4b5e07240ad7dd 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=a968a466bb944793aa8b7a2e779be57c 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=b8a91b1ced5a505348963b2416a498ad 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=8c3deb511eeb08a7b895e4059f6c3185 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=bbf93f44f78be1911b5371bac2728287 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=27e47cbcc71867f668094dd9d326ad94 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=86da8ee049a9d32f6b7baacac71f9627 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=c34184559327f13b8bf647bfc0e28bbb 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=ea3603773151a023ecd66be02d151115 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=83699d435401b43ca7ff7fb0d97bfc2d 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=2a65bca8d31babed82e3e4d79d309ca1 3000w)
Ruler Ruler, on the Wall
Most rulers are punched flat from sheet metal. It’s efficient and inexpensive—a flat ruler measures well and helps you draw straight lines. Functionally, you’re kinda all set. But we wanted our ruler to stand out.
Sometimes, you need to go all-in on the form of a product, to build something that couldn’t exist otherwise.
Each design has a point where we weigh the benefits and costs of form and function. Each product takes us in different directions. With our desk shelf system, functional innovation was our guiding light. With our speaker, we focused on the form. Some of our favorites (like the catch-all) fall nicely in the middle, a balance of innovative function and sculptural form. We weren’t trying to revolutionize the functionality of measuring, but rather creating something that you couldn’t find anywhere else.
KEN TOMITA: The point of the ruler was to make something beautiful, and eye catching, something you’d want to leave out on your desk or hang on your wall.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=8161a7782440835b56dc1fc7af139853 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=b91b2173ac12b0e6984b9913c208863f 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=f28b5fa2e71bc891f2b48cc4583dabc7 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=5b2858382d5b2010fa39651b405910f8 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=522adb642cfe2a4278e222543651df60 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=29b0d01b310876823ad0192c14afc633 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=12a50b579a45068ba02afc02f7354b25 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=01498ddc9b9460a39579a26de390e21d 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=096cc4df96b14ecec3d29be06b5a6fae 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=20535d12eaf6ab6c139483a185fdeaf7 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=395cfea2be753b996a297da6dfaf1cf2 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=08ed6543f605572b1d6a3dd5fcdad124 3000w)
With an idea in mind, we started to sculpt! The shapes and contours of the ruler emerged, and were influenced by the other products that use machined metal: the key ring, the minimalist wallet, and the minimalist knife.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-measure-black-galB-B3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=80e0096f5ef0ed970fbac6ab6ca45e69 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-measure-black-galB-B3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=9238183a4c2de4d46ae6817cd9b385cd 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-measure-black-galB-B3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=675b430fc1db5b52b1b77592f6a2a9df 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-measure-black-galB-B3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=872462c782eec145318d238e55e5e907 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-measure-black-galB-B3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=f36904264534049307ae65e6bab6a9df 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-measure-black-galB-B3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=d3aa663030979e67f365ba3668bac6a0 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-measure-black-galB-B3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=657ee0a2a80e299f7228079fcd62e840 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-measure-black-galB-B3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=d98a4cea0f1e71242959ea84af2b83d4 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-measure-black-galB-B3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=fb269398c6a16b51a25797c74ae5ec71 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-measure-black-galB-B3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=5f2f74ba8066d17013c3e7fb81fa2087 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-measure-black-galB-B3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=b5786b3037f86eb1fb2e8c0ef2979b28 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-measure-black-galB-B3.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=2c16ba61b32e7d96831bad46c93e6e0b 3000w)
Sean and Elise, our design intern, pulled the design from two dimensions into three, and applied our experience working with machining to create a form that stood out from the desktop, with subtle functional features. The curves and chamfers made for easy manipulation, gave a resting place for a pen, and gave a vertical surface to cut against. And, it made an object we loved to look at.
![](https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/LP0029-designing-measure-collection-F1.gif 200w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/LP0029-designing-measure-collection-F1.gif 300w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/LP0029-designing-measure-collection-F1.gif 500w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/LP0029-designing-measure-collection-F1.gif 700w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/LP0029-designing-measure-collection-F1.gif 900w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/LP0029-designing-measure-collection-F1.gif 1100w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/LP0029-designing-measure-collection-F1.gif 1300w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/LP0029-designing-measure-collection-F1.gif 1500w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/LP0029-designing-measure-collection-F1.gif 1800w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/LP0029-designing-measure-collection-F1.gif 2250w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/LP0029-designing-measure-collection-F1.gif 2500w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/LP0029-designing-measure-collection-F1.gif 3000w)
We arrived at the basic three dimensional shape in time to hunker down for the hectic holiday season. Setting the design aside, we used prototypes at our desks and mulled over what would become of the idea.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=0cc6bb7b6b796f79ac6707736fbadce7 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=ba9f1f32272ecc0aece644962031be59 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=a0a45bcf4354ae341c08e499cd60fac3 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=d3aaad4dbc46a34c6500f9704a90c198 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=36f0e71b6ed3030cc0061de3cd7aad1e 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=cde179a88c9bad987c0a26ca355e106f 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=e1d9be2b1215cbe9f418664104bd74dc 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=16cfb3d63b4099647b8d61749f1d1d9c 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=cfb0bcacebe827846b7cb635ea60d9fd 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=e2ab99e11cbf2de97233c2c0fa010b18 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=51e38ff08d1a138fd44a5af3aa34d7f1 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=8bce648a09dabfb60adc6e10adc0472b 3000w)
A Collection
Months later, we revisited the ruler and decided it should be part of a collection: a ruler, protractor, and triangle, a stable trio of tools.
SEAN KELLY: The measure collection was a cool way to apply similar design forms and features to several different shapes at once—it’s obvious they go together, but each one brought a different challenge.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=39e7aebb92f3cfd2a534da1e6beaa1a9 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=477ecbeaf2d21e5d3d4b5e07240ad7dd 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=a968a466bb944793aa8b7a2e779be57c 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=b8a91b1ced5a505348963b2416a498ad 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=8c3deb511eeb08a7b895e4059f6c3185 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=bbf93f44f78be1911b5371bac2728287 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=27e47cbcc71867f668094dd9d326ad94 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=86da8ee049a9d32f6b7baacac71f9627 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=c34184559327f13b8bf647bfc0e28bbb 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=ea3603773151a023ecd66be02d151115 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=83699d435401b43ca7ff7fb0d97bfc2d 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=2a65bca8d31babed82e3e4d79d309ca1 3000w)
Since the shape was basically refined, our design team moved on to the hard part—the markings. We considered all the ways to create markings that were as interesting as the form. From line weight, to spacing, to numerals or symbols, we went through a huge number of mockups.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-E1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=3e8d0bf5cd76cb3398c7e2508359b76a 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-E1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=2ca18f3b3f852b380710089a7d64f32a 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-E1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=d16a2719eaad35ab3306ba1b7900af49 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-E1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=e4a619e462479ce00e1a3924a6fbc487 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-E1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=9fa9f227c9127beb92d10457c9e1e4b9 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-E1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=011b8334173102933654844012f46248 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-E1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=ad1475b076fb0ce2e134fdc4942ce5ed 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-E1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=6e2a31820828a623265eff4c987a1028 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-E1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=ba0fd4c35cbfeb79dbbec4409784814c 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-E1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=752946bbdc9c01a716d42e89a666fa76 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-E1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=99202dfb6570e71186fb95cd30093552 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-E1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=cb07d7df2e17aff1148607ed3886c98e 3000w)
The easy way to make the marks is to laser etch or print them onto the surface. With the measure collection, however, we wanted markings that supplemented the form, and that interacted with the three dimensional shape. The only way to do this also happens to be much more difficult - you machine the marks directly into the metal surface. It allows us to control the depth, width, and shape of the marks in a way that the other processes can’t.
To refine the marking design, we had to create a full scale prototype in the final material and finish. It was the only way to really see how the marks and the form interact. Modeling software wouldn’t be enough.
To refine the marking design, we had to create a full scale prototype in the final material and finish. It was the only way to really see how the marks and the form interact. Modeling software wouldn’t be enough.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=c4f30e0236d59c9bf84571a165f5335b 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=c84ec30c6a7c5c0554f730d6f15a0acb 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=0f2de02de92dc9428b487f16259a6269 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=7c977c450ced0e692c11f3aa8af3ad95 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=26032b7866cf4c67859a6692a1672136 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=82681502da2adc9b03d06e17e1de10b6 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=c1a5dc39bf93173afd0b82cf321df066 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=e39996d6219fd3a6fa9a2631b27ee805 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=1bdab3a04d75ca702b9da85f1a33bb44 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=68b901b2fcb87d761da94ffb7def8074 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=b8f0ee567332fd93f6c226bae29defc8 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=a4a278d74f44ee532d6478616160c341 3000w)
The plate in the photo above shows the prototype. It has 12 sections of the triangle design, each with a different combination of marks. By using four different machining tools, we were able to create tiny, incremental differences between each section and compare dozens of different markings. Even holding the prototype in hand, it’s difficult to see the subtle gradations, with changes in cut depth as small as 0.0003” of an inch. (That’s about ⅓ the width of a human hair!) We pored over the prototype until we could pick the markings that were just right.
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From here, it was on to rounds of prototyping to dial in the process. The quality of the machining is paramount—just like with our keyring and minimalist knife, it has to be exceptional. How the measure collection is made is integral to the design itself. The finished products are all about form and shape, and about how manufacturing and design go hand in hand.
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“Having the measure collection fully machined was a challenge, but the end result is worth it. The marks and overall form couldn’t be more seamless."
KEN TOMITA
Co-Founder
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=b96db0c04c3da90b10145dfe37c7e425 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=b98fd8c6de150e4b9e12979efc89b49a 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=8980aea800af8298be4172fab8aa0bbe 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=b6fbe9f9fddf759c577ba1fca32b5a00 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=ae7626fa34f2ae755a897b5a6bbd512b 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=4d204f247b18fc3dfb33bc5c5219d91f 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=64b50b0139b5f2bcb8c8194c6a25da0e 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=bc021a188a5c093e0907c695e7a5660a 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=b76f7ff00a3ea6a31bf9a0a547152a37 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=97de9b19ca593e08bf967bfa10af9909 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=07e9a8a188970f86cf99cdf24b766b0d 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FLP0029-designing-measure-collection-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=df55587e84b01c8c83da91da2ac6f4c6 3000w)
Three to Tango
The ruler, protractor and triangle were designed together, each informing the next. Balance, symmetry, completeness—all achieved with the set. Each is available individually as well.