As part of Week 1 of the MENG course, we were tasked to bring in an object that we thought was an example of great design. It could be anything that we thought of, from the simplicity of a pencil sharpener, to the complexity of the Empire State Building. After much thought and walking around my flat looking for things that really spoke to me I eventually landed on my multitool: The Gerber Crucial Multi-tool.
Working in a boatyard during the summer, having a multi-tool on hand is invaluable. Being able to use pliers, a knife, and screwdrivers at a moment’s notice—without carrying a heavy bag of tools—makes a massive difference. Its compact design allows it to fit easily into my pocket, and its minimalist exterior gives it a rugged look where scrapes, chips, and dents only add to its appearance.
I use my multi-tool daily at work and keep it on my person at all times; in a way, it has become as essential as wearing clothes. The weight of it feels comfortable in my pocket, yet I immediately notice when it’s missing. Having it with me provides a real sense of utility and comfort.
So why did I choose this multi-tool as my object? You might assume I brought it in for a wide, diverse range of functions, but it’s actually the opposite. What I appreciate most about this tool is right in the name: Crucial. It only has what I actually need—no unnecessary gadgets, redundant features, or extra stuff. It feels as though the designers have simply taken something that has the ability to have so many things and deliberately said ‘no, lets keep it crucial’.
I feel this is a good object to have in my mind when I am designing in the future, instead of adding to a design, look at what I can remove to simplify my design.
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