# Afterschool Podcast, Episode 14 - Pencil by FiftyThree (12/17)

- Show: [Core77 Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast)
- Published: 2013-12-17
- Length: 1h 14m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-12-17-afterschool-podcast-episode-14-pencil-by-fiftythree-12-17
- Listen: https://soundcloud.com/corejr/afterschool-podcast-episode-14

## Summary

FiftyThree co-founder John Harris and industrial designers John Ikeda and Audrey Louchart discuss the creation of Pencil, the company's first hardware product designed to complement their Paper app. They detail the transition from Microsoft's Courier project to building a startup, focusing on the industrial design choices like the carpenter pencil form factor and the integration of wood and aluminum materials. The team explains the 'Kiss to Pair' connection mechanism, the engineering challenges of fitting electronics into a tight form, and the logistical hurdles of manufacturing and direct-to-consumer fulfillment.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-12-17-afterschool-podcast-episode-14-pencil-by-fiftythree-12-17#t=0) Introduction and FiftyThree Background
- [2:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-12-17-afterschool-podcast-episode-14-pencil-by-fiftythree-12-17#t=130) From Microsoft Courier to Startup Founding
- [18:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-12-17-afterschool-podcast-episode-14-pencil-by-fiftythree-12-17#t=1090) Hardware Development and Team Building
- [41:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-12-17-afterschool-podcast-episode-14-pencil-by-fiftythree-12-17#t=2469) Pencil Design: Form Factor and Materials
- [47:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-12-17-afterschool-podcast-episode-14-pencil-by-fiftythree-12-17#t=2856) Engineering Challenges: Tolerances and Assembly
- [55:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-12-17-afterschool-podcast-episode-14-pencil-by-fiftythree-12-17#t=3316) Manufacturing, Logistics, and Fulfillment
- [1:09:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-12-17-afterschool-podcast-episode-14-pencil-by-fiftythree-12-17#t=4180) Packaging Design and Launch Status

## Topics

- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Logistics & fulfilment](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/logistics-and-fulfillment)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- FiftyThree (company)
- Paper (product)
- Pencil (product)
- Courier (product)
- Microsoft (company)
- Xbox (product)
- iPad (product)
- Sonos (company)
- Alienware (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [81: Mark Three](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2022-06-29-81-mark-three) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [Episode 205: Thinky Pad and Wippy Pen](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2019-03-08-episode-205-thinky-pad-and-wippy-pen) (Making It)
- [59: I’ve Always Wanted to Do a Bleep](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2020-05-20-59-ive-always-wanted-to-do-a-bleep) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [136: Mark Four](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2026-10-08-136-mark-four) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [18: No Cool Cheap Screwdrivers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2016-09-17-18-no-cool-cheap-screwdrivers) (Thoroughly Considered)

## Citing this page

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