# Simple Signifying Stationery Alert Staples Warn You when Your Desktop Implement Needs Restocking By Amelia Roblin | Published 2013-09-26 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alert-staples References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2013/09/25/alert-staples/) An invention does not need to be hi-tech in order to be clever or useful, and a good example of this is these Alert Staples. Thought up by Wei-Ling Hsu, Cyuan-Yi You and Yu-Ren Lai, the concept is an uncomplicated system that notifies you when your [page-binding appliance](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ofiistory-desk-supplies) is running low on paper clips. The typical cartridge bar of new staples is essentially what you see here, except that [five bits of wire](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/color-coded-packaging) on one end of it have been coated in red color. When you're reloading your stapler, this side goes towards the back of the track so that the vibrantly-tinted metal pieces will be the last ones to come out. During regular use, you'll know when to [prepare for a refill](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-reminders-20) after the first of the Alert Staples is dispensed. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 20% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Low-tech Innovations:** Low-tech innovations like Alert Staples can provide simple yet effective solutions to common problems. - **Smart Stationery:** Smart stationery that can alert users when supplies run low can improve office efficiency and organization. - **Color-coded Indicators:** Color-coded indicators, like the red-coated wires on Alert Staples, can be a useful way to signal when a product needs attention. ### Where This Applies - **Office Supplies:** The Alert Staples invention presents an opportunity for the office supplies industry to innovate and create more efficient products with simple designs. - **Product Design:** There is potential for disruption in the product design industry by incorporating low-tech solutions like color-coded indicators in everyday items. - **Manufacturing:** Manufacturing companies that specialize in stationery and office supplies can look into implementing color-coded indicators in their products to improve functionality and user experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Note Clip Organizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/note-clip.md) - [Digital Sticky Reminders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/friendlystack-reminder.md) - [Clipping Pen Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-clippen.md) - [Clamping Stationery Dispensers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peleg-design-clamptape.md) - [Miniature Elastic Paper-Turning Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercricco.md) - [Paper-Free To-Do Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eminder.md) - [Convenient Checklist Pads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/checklist-sticky-roll.md) - [Minimalist Clip-Free Clipboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hinge-clipboard.md) - [Snapping Cable Management Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wirestax.md)