Extraordinary heat-sensitive stationery

Default avatar.
February 08, 2013
Extraordinary heat-sensitive stationery.

ThumbnailIf a company’s branding materials should seek to leave a mark, then Austrian design studio Bureau Rabensteiner has more than met the challenge with a recent client project.

Using thermo-sensitive black ink, these visionary creatives have fashioned a dynamic stationery set for Vienna-based photo rep and producer Natalie Daniels. The black varnish color fades at body temperature, so whenever an item is handled, an image is produced. Pulling a card from your wallet leaves finger prints. Pressing a postcard up to your mouth leaves a lip mark.

Perhaps the cleverest piece in the collection is the Polaroid-shaped business cards that “develop” in the hand of the card holder, creating ever-developing snaps. Simply meet a prospective client, make the card exchange, and voila — a literal and figurative impression is made.

The amazing interactive element of this simple idea is both playful and intelligent. While most business cards are discarded after the working week, or sooner, these are amongst the select few that will be held onto, and even passed around. What more could a budding business hope for?

Heat sensitive stationery

Heat sensitive stationery

Heat sensitive stationery

Heat sensitive stationery

Heat sensitive stationery

Heat sensitive stationery

Heat sensitive stationery

Heat sensitive stationery

How else could thermo-sensitive ink be used in design? What other innovative stationery have you seen lately? Let us know in the comments.

Stacey Kole

Stacey Kole is a freelance writer and former magazine editor. When she’s not crafting copy or chasing after her two little boys, Stacey can be found drinking coffee, tea, or anything else with caffeine. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter.

Popular Posts

Read Next

Exciting New Tools for Designers, November 2023

We’ve got a mix of handy image helpers, useful design assets, and clever productivity tools, amongst other treats. Some…

The Dangers of Doomscrolling for Designers and How to Break Free

As a creative professional, navigating the digital realm is second nature to you. It’s normal to follow an endless…

From Image Adjustments to AI: Photoshop Through the Years

Remember when Merriam-Webster added Photoshop to the dictionary back in 2008? Want to learn how AI is changing design…

3 Essential Design Trends, November 2023

In the season of giving thanks, we often think of comfort and tradition. These are common themes with each of our three…

30 Obsolete Technologies that will Perplex Post-2000s Kids

Remember the screech of dial-up internet? Hold fond memories of arcade machines? In this list, we’re condensing down 30…

15 Best New Fonts, October 2023

We’re entering the final quarter of 2023, and even in the pre-holiday lull, there are still plenty of fonts to get…

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): Unlocking The Future of Mobile-First Web Development

There are over 5.4 billion mobile users today, meaning that over 68% of the population tap into an online business via…

The 12 Most Controversial Ad Campaigns of the 21st Century

How far would an organization be willing to go for the chance to generate a little extra buzz? In this list, we're…

20 Best New Websites, October 2023

The Bento trend is still going strong: In some cases, we see this extend to the layout, but many more are picking…

Exciting New Tools for Designers, October 2023

This month, we have a whole bag of goodies for designers, developers, and designevelopers alike. (Yes, we did just make…

The 10 Most Successful Rebrands of All Time - Ranked

We’re all familiar with rebrands going wrong, but what happens when they go right? From McDonald’s health kick to…

3 Essential Design Trends, October 2023

Every now and then, website design trends can leave you scratching your head. This month’s collection includes some of…