The simple tape measure, a way of compacting distances up to 500′ long into a single plastic container no bigger than 3″ x 3″ x 1″. It is also what some people might call the longest retractable “blade”.
Observations
Operation: able to be pulled out and retractable, also allowed to be in a fix state of pulling with brakes
A yellow, concave metal tongue with a latch that allows for pulling. The latch actually helps in single-user operation, when measuring a long object beyond arm span, the latch can be an anchor point. This is not always reliable and therefore accuracy requires another person to hold down the end point.
The brake is designed to clamp down on the ruler to fix at a point, the operation of the slider pushed downwards instinctively matches the action of clamping down. Often the feeling of a tightness, overcoming a bump, is a signal of the clamping.
No matter how long we make it, there is always a restriction on the longest length to be measured. Additionally, the longer a ruler is, the heavier it is. Inaccurate measurement also occurs when the metal ruler is bent or not straight, but margin of error is minimal, and more accurate measurement tool would be laser.
Typical measuring lengths: 25, 50, 75, 100, 200, 300, and even 500 feet
Typical width of ruler: 1⁄4 to 3⁄4 inch (6.4 to 19.1 mm) across
Inner mechanics: Inside is a roll of metal, pre-bent into a roll, as long as the ruler itself and tends to stay rolled, therefore acts as a spring. It attaches to the end of the ruler, and is wound up tighter as more of the ruler is pulled out.
Outer Appearance: able to be grasped by a hand, rounded top and sides and a flat bottom for placing on flat surface. Often accompanied by the ability to loop around something else (strap). Grip surfaces with bumps on the top and bottom for easy holding. Thumb lock with horizontal bumpy finish, and (triangular profile) angled for the positioning of a thumb.
Materials often plastic shell, and yellow metal ruler with black and red markings.
Typical sounds: lengthening the ruler straight out of the case, retracting slowly, retracting abruptly, braking
Caution: keep those fingers away from the the edge of the ruler.
Analysis
- Spring mechanism
- Mechanism optimal for customizing desired length: purposeful extension, retraction is resetting
- One-handed operation, though sometimes lacking in the other anchor point
- Limited to length of ruler
- Weight? Quite heavy for longer rulers
- Added precaution to keeping fingers away from edge when retracting
Decontextualization/Misuse
- Yoyo replacement
- Fishing reel
- Vacuum cords
- Diary/timeline (UI element)
Redesign
- Different material, less heavy
- Unlimited measuring tape? Like the measuring wheel but smaller, digitally recognize length by gliding over it
Everyday Artifact 