Designing the Note-Taking Kit
For the last two years, we've been working closely with our good friend Matthew Encina to design the Note-Taking Kit. We documented the process and Matthew created a video showing behind the scenes from start to finish. Watch the full video, and read along in the story as we tell how this product came to life.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=a1fb159a00517ddbb2c774a48b77bbc6 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=142938664f91532fccfd37fad5a40d76 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=f63f725dbdeef4d3f249370c9d62e866 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=19b109eec15de5ce041ac90122bbd264 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=373c9956e6ece0d503833551ec5cdc68 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=a1bcc948357b3cad23ef675dea6d2ab6 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=940149a7237ae3fbeedf71ffd427834f 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=f10899547c8c26ba8af32e123abdddd2 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=f26236bec42a2cb959a4f0c5c4fdd87f 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=05055d25f25f58329522f7f98f831ee2 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=89b3d60ba437aa2753a22694d346f706 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=1c41ad350e9a3ca3f25b63a93c43b3f5 3000w)
In 2021, I quit my job to explore new opportunities as a creative. At this same time, my friends at Grovemade asked if I wanted to collaborate on designing a desk accessory product from scratch.
Matthew Encina
Mod Musings
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=8246463d8653763a687ceb1ed967e3ef 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=35ddf070e4897a055bb7bd0ccf3a5b65 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=f67bfa022a80240d1efe6186a663e892 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=0cb989a46bb2d1a54f4e859c9c881395 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=9daab79fda4e897157f7a5514e61b835 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=c07dd386b95063a984b2a7ddece33bfa 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=a53477c039a0b652e99c71fa70d190ac 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=989104478bc704413b492637a329643c 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=7da9156ceabbe2d52e8e83bdc350cfba 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=9dc60261e28f7cfebe753599dc2b70dd 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=367eec3c3f39412c997497ce5d56221e 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=008d535d26d42a2e530a8a94151461fb 3000w)
KEN TOMITA (Grovemade Co-Founder): We'd been working with Matthew for a while, and the idea of turning the collaboration toward a product made sense—it's what we do!
Matthew is a Los Angeles-based creative director, who loves to build things and make content on productivity and creativity through his company, Mod Musings. We share a passion for improving the way people work—we love his content, he loves our products, and after years of working with each other, we finally decided to design something together.
Research & Discovery
To kick off the project, Ken and Sean flew out to LA to study Matthew's work environment—observing how notes were taken, how information was processed, and what tools were being used. We did the same study with Matthew's mentor, Chris Do, the founder of The Futur. From both of these sessions, we noticed some overlap and challenges when it comes to note-taking, a big part of our daily work.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=44be4df449b9e222bcf444376355aca7 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=1aa7f233707327de750efb3acdc81e54 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=2ab40399ad5e05ac60aa59613dc7df1d 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=fce466501e506cc99367b1c06f740a25 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=0a83d6cce681c9c554eabfd7b6c54425 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=3b79a17a1dca558d812d72a79fe6af6a 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=1998f08efba41a4e67d7dc65f3585049 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=5112896fc4da043a87bb843b761c18b6 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=1118c57f8fa2a7ce35a4aec48ed58ae8 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=4a56a298eb6d867a516f4f2b61970ee7 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=f175f87f2c0f79c1ccb14f90aae0b8c4 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=b44a3179bd50099fb783080001d6031c 3000w)
SEAN KELLY (Lead Designer): We learned so much from watching—it's how we start most of our design projects.
As a follow-up to these in-person interviews, we conducted several surveys with Grovemade’s customers. We asked questions to learn how people take notes, what their workflow and tools are, what challenges they face, and to identify any possible opportunities to address them.
From all of these, we were able to make the following observations:
From all of these, we were able to make the following observations:
- Taking notes is essential to our daily work—usually while on calls and when consuming information, using notepads or whatever paper is on our desk.
- We don’t have a good way to store our notes, which usually leaves a mess on our desks, or are hidden out of sight and out of mind.
- People tend to keep important notes for 3-5 days while processing them.
Synthesis
Next, we make sense of our discoveries and focus on the right problem to solve. While the previous phase was all about expansive thinking, now we’re narrowing things down until we have a clear design challenge.
![Early rough sketches for the Vertical Organizer spread across the Grovemade design area.](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-I2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=d635b082b90bf3791100f0546f9db3fe 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-I2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=9f8ccbc469c973a02622bc8742cf869f 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-I2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=4f47019df6635486f9635bed4be394aa 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-I2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=3f939094f35d63da6bbb8cf85bc8e295 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-I2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=4cab6a86cca976141f1474c08e0f16be 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-I2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=9741424127259cc6a329bad4910bae80 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-I2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=b6536bf604cbc5e2a3afe496be483ae8 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-I2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=41c52717cf6a0dbdd17f60c795127159 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-I2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=40484e679c2921b1e892972252330e57 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-I2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=59c3327d15d0c765906b74fe8749bbcc 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-I2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=dd09195b5c9f62fece8c093087195e7f 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-I2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=1edfd64995e791ba168aa46a9cec451e 3000w)
Matthew flew up to Portland to review our insights. We kick things around and ask ourselves:
We distill our work down to:
- What are the common insights and pain-points?
- Does this seem like a big enough problem that others face?
- Are there already solutions on the market?
- Is this something we’re excited about?
How can we design a better way to capture, review, and store notes?
Ideation
Now we're back into an expansive way of thinking, exploring potential solutions. We continue to work remotely, running whiteboard sessions digitally in Miro. For a few weeks, we set time aside to sketch ideas, share research, and add to each other's work.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=a1fb159a00517ddbb2c774a48b77bbc6 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=142938664f91532fccfd37fad5a40d76 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=f63f725dbdeef4d3f249370c9d62e866 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=19b109eec15de5ce041ac90122bbd264 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=373c9956e6ece0d503833551ec5cdc68 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=a1bcc948357b3cad23ef675dea6d2ab6 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=940149a7237ae3fbeedf71ffd427834f 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=f10899547c8c26ba8af32e123abdddd2 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=f26236bec42a2cb959a4f0c5c4fdd87f 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=05055d25f25f58329522f7f98f831ee2 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=89b3d60ba437aa2753a22694d346f706 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=1c41ad350e9a3ca3f25b63a93c43b3f5 3000w)
MATTHEW ENCINA: For me, this is the fun part of the process because it’s loose, fast, and is exciting to see possibilities.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=8246463d8653763a687ceb1ed967e3ef 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=35ddf070e4897a055bb7bd0ccf3a5b65 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=f67bfa022a80240d1efe6186a663e892 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=0cb989a46bb2d1a54f4e859c9c881395 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=9daab79fda4e897157f7a5514e61b835 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=c07dd386b95063a984b2a7ddece33bfa 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=a53477c039a0b652e99c71fa70d190ac 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=989104478bc704413b492637a329643c 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=7da9156ceabbe2d52e8e83bdc350cfba 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=9dc60261e28f7cfebe753599dc2b70dd 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=367eec3c3f39412c997497ce5d56221e 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=008d535d26d42a2e530a8a94151461fb 3000w)
KEN TOMITA: Sean and I have been designing products together for over 10 years—we were able to integrate Matthew into the process really well, which is crucial for any design team.
At this stage, Sean is also making quick prototypes of cardboard, old scraps, and 3d printings, which we send Matthew for review.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-K2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=84cb46be59bd5d718e641b5137783b9c 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-K2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=2a79537e93cf39faf0fb863874cefe54 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-K2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=c2eaf9bbac90386af9c4ba3572439353 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-K2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=a0f76e2ba9d109c228cb553a10c345a9 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-K2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=0080d09024c7012ba079036b7a767038 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-K2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=3732d9b2658566bb288c9f1e3e52bb1d 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-K2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=79ebe5543a95ca3eead552a53d15609e 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-K2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=38bad3bfb69dd72026e4fb03b2da4997 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-K2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=f913e961361e3aa71ffaf25b801fadc3 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-K2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=ef1dfe38cca26b804d9eef4226af16f3 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-K2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=af1c40a468cc09f9e4a14c03c5b46496 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-K2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=c0dce805046bf607348298b92b4c32b4 3000w)
This entire process takes months to complete, with several cycles around and around. We refine ideas we like, test them out, then make adjustments to the form and function, dialing in the details of dimensions, angles, and materials.
The Kit Coming Together
We settle on a direction that involves a set of tools that work together: an updated notepad size from a previous Grovemade design, a stand to hold notes, and a divider to store them.
We realize the stand we're designing also holds devices (iPhones, iPads) and Grovemade sketchbooks. It’s unintentional, but a nice feature we include in the development. An unexpected challenge comes up with the notepad paper stock. We spend a few weeks trying to find the perfect thickness that will stand up on its own, without feeling excessive, like card stock—it has to match the feeling of the quick notes and ideas that will be written on it. As we get further along, we have to make a lot of tough decisions, but we land in a place we’re all happy with.
Making it Real
Now it's time to implement and bring the product to life. We know what the solution is, now the focus is building it the right way.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-M2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=75c88b89e174d270202672363a33f60e 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-M2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=c7f953f2d038584472f2cad06ee68c0a 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-M2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=889d0f6b1f62924db43a031e12cf1bd5 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-M2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=fca7e555d1fc5557d893b9b341450a42 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-M2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=768371ab2a954cee47182098065b4cb7 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-M2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=2d591746b1f327eed4407047a84323a5 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-M2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=2e9aece167a5d64502676d7a3419d1e9 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-M2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=71229e79e319a8450b2a22e661e9226d 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-M2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=4ce7d3ba1888ece9bc49f44e1cc5c026 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-M2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=e044f33bee88fea005dfda09c53994b0 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-M2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=8df9f4400b587dfb0dc5f7f054be53bf 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-M2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=194d9673d62467db7bbbcf333d8e734a 3000w)
This whole process takes months. We source the materials, develop how each piece will be made, and finalize the processes for assembly. This slightly influences the final design, but not by much since Sean and Ken kept manufacturing in mind throughout the earlier phases.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=930c1263dbec00dc2bc66d639e824a6b 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=9543ba3d9f04267d871c600948dc5dff 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=3c8ee50e553447cfa836565400b17017 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=92cb1f8d023cdb527ca083379f586b97 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=cadb6706d4ed760b6d3a232013a94c4a 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=3e154f68effddf144e6474f7b8bfa8b5 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=c38476cd6cc9e05117d5db7d54801629 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=12fe76ceb4efe24f1785b45617d4ffaa 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=00749393731b9a0930c217c0106d2980 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=5132ecfd3dd3ce3f9a09fe7b26c804dc 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=fc535e3b6a4a7117711a27de453c941d 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-note-taking-kit-galC-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=25b9c4f3cfb1f091c9622fde43143149 3000w)
All Kitted Up
After two years of design and development we're proud to share the Note-Taking Kit by Grovemade and Mod Musings. What started with an exploration of the note-taking process, resulted in a set of tools to help you capture, review, and recall your notes. We learned a ton along the way, and couldn't be more excited with how the product turned out.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=a1fb159a00517ddbb2c774a48b77bbc6 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=142938664f91532fccfd37fad5a40d76 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=f63f725dbdeef4d3f249370c9d62e866 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=19b109eec15de5ce041ac90122bbd264 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=373c9956e6ece0d503833551ec5cdc68 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=a1bcc948357b3cad23ef675dea6d2ab6 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=940149a7237ae3fbeedf71ffd427834f 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=f10899547c8c26ba8af32e123abdddd2 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=f26236bec42a2cb959a4f0c5c4fdd87f 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=05055d25f25f58329522f7f98f831ee2 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=89b3d60ba437aa2753a22694d346f706 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fmatthew-encina-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=1c41ad350e9a3ca3f25b63a93c43b3f5 3000w)
The collaboration has enabled me to explore a new side of my creativity. Now, it’s time to get back to work.
Matthew Encina
Mod Musings
Get the Kit
The Note-Taking Kit gives you the tools to take in, store and use information in a thoughtful, analog way. Available in a special white oak and leather launch edition, as well as walnut, white oak and maple versions.
![The slim brass notepad in use with the Grovemade Brass Pen.](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-notepad-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=a479f9667316319330a33a6d12570cd7 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-notepad-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=9ef61a2d781a332e7aaf3038c65bc291 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-notepad-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=7f7218c123f045176a15cc5a4d2da624 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-notepad-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=7224c8ef49403b8501abb853361f3e21 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-notepad-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=26eeb27a44101321b0db75635d26196b 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-notepad-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=d699a568e67e961b5aae48e99ffdd225 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-notepad-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=d7b9bf6545ab27cc62b1cd7d16bb37dd 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-notepad-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=aca8062602043be3a89964e65405e743 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-notepad-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=4531a63450977f00be06b9ed13bff891 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-notepad-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=449fc29270bb5af8e87f9bdadfbd583e 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-notepad-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=2c47b59c2f101e10625ec4a0faed131f 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-notepad-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=afef00a81684819ea794c3332a236e15 3000w)
Designing the Notepad
The reusable Grovemade notepad is an essential piece of our desk collection—but it took a happy coincidence between researching notebook sizes and dissatisfaction with disposable notepads to bring it to life.
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