Would you wear this pocket square?

[Andrew Harder-Tessier]

I'm getting into making men's accessories and made a mock-up (prototype) for a pocket square business card.

The QR codes would be engraved into the leather and the top would be made of sterling or fine silver (depending on durability) with the real thing. Thoughts?

 

[Bankers_Stripes]

Goodness gracious no.

 

[Andrew Harder-Tessier]

Goodness gracious no.

Fair enough. Is there anything in particular that's problematic with the design concept?

Note: The thing in the image is not the product, just a physical prototype. Also as mentioned in the post, it will also be made of different materials

 

[paxonus]

Fair enough. Is there anything in particular that's problematic with the design concept?

Note: The thing in the image is not the product, just a physical prototype. Also as mentioned in the post, it will also be made of different materials

Post a photoshop mockup of what an actual product would look like.

 

[Andrew Harder-Tessier]

Post a photoshop mockup of what an actual product would look like.

Thanks for the feedback; I'll do that.

 

[KOz]

I expect most of the people responding will be very displeased with this concept. Take a look at pocket squares in classic menswear - they're a small, understated accessory, often benefitting from being stuffed into the pocket in a carefree, but expressive way. It's time-established.

This, on the other hand, does not conform to what is considered a pocket square. It comes across more like an attention-grabbing signpost. I mean even the form factor and material description sounds like it would be stiff and wouldn't gracefully conform to the body and the pocket.

What is the target market? IT/business crowd that owns a sports jacket and is into quirky gimmicks?

 

[double00]

networking gimmick . but why make it a pocket square I'd go with trucker hat / tiara

 

[Andrew Harder-Tessier]

networking gimmick . but why make it a pocket square I'd go with trucker hat / tiara

Because I feel it would be to obvious and not work with a suit. also, many people don't want just anyone they meet to grab their contact info. My thinking was by making it a pocket square, you can privately tuck it away and only show it when needed. Similar to a metal, scannable business card you wouldn't have to grab your wallet out to use.

 

[KOz]

Because I feel it would be to obvious and not work with a suit. also, many people don't want just anyone they meet to grab their contact info. My thinking was by making it a pocket square, you can privately tuck it away and only show it when needed. Similar to a metal, scannable business card you wouldn't have to grab your wallet out to use.

Jackets have about 4-6 pockets. I'm not sure pulling out a card is cumbersome.

 

[Andrew Harder-Tessier]

I expect most of the people responding will be very displeased with this concept. Take a look at pocket squares in classic menswear - they're a small, understated accessory, often benefitting from being stuffed into the pocket in a carefree, but expressive way. It's time-established.

This, on the other hand, does not conform to what is considered a pocket square. It comes across more like an attention-grabbing signpost. I mean even the form factor and material description sounds like it would be stiff and wouldn't gracefully conform to the body and the pocket.

What is the target market? IT/business crowd that owns a sports jacket and is into quirky gimmicks?

My thinking was someone who attends networking events and finds many people lose or forget business cards, seeing directly giving their contact info as more useful. Since you can make a phone number (not just social accounts) a QR code, I thought a professional could also be sure it was received correctly.

About it not being graceful. I personally find it flexible enough that I can forget it's there and doesn't deform the suit.

About it being too flashy. The impression I got from the formal events I've attended and accessories I've been attracted to, is that pocket squares are one of the few pieces that is often more visable, with many different patterns, folds, and colors. I hadn't thought of it that way before. Thank you for your perspective.

Would the idea be appealing with a more muted appearance?

 

[Andrew Harder-Tessier]

Jackets have about 4-6 pockets. I'm not sure pulling out a card is cumbersome.

That's a good point. I've always just often seen those reusable cards stored in someone's wallet and noticed it looks awkward for them to grab it out. I'll ask the next person I see with one of those why that is. Thank you for the feedback.

 

[GaiusM]

No. It is gaudy, unprofessional and screams "look-at-me". It is not comparable to a pocket square any more than a crown is to a full gold grill. It makes you look either sleazy or like you don't know what you are doing - see anime t-shirts + fedoras.
Even if I could look past the tacky used car salesman vibe what benefits does such a device offer? I have to pull out my phone, unlock, open QR reader, wait for it to load while you stand there with that thing in your hands? How is that an improvement over a business card? If the options are that or a guy in a navy suit with a white TV fold square and a Patrick Bateman card it's pretty clear which is more professional and most likely better to do business with.
If you want to design something unique why not create a business card case? Something embossed with your company logo. That is much more understated and traditional and will leave a better impression when you give/trade cards. It would be out of sight most of the time which makes those few occasions when it is visible have a greater impact.
Your attire should emphasize you, not the other way around.

 

[TheIronDandy]

I'd probably (in theory) be the target audience for this: I work in tech, I meet a lot of people and I wear sport coats most days. Would I use this? I can honnestly say I would never. And I would probably think less of anyone who did.

First, the whole idea seems obnoxious: instead of the subtle act of giving someone a card, you now demand that THEY do the work of scanning the thing right then and there, which takes more time and puts the burden on them. It also removes the option to politely decline (taking someone's card without planning to contact them). It feels like the equivalent of watching over someone's shoulder when they enter your number, to "make sure they get it right" - the kind of behaviour you expect from pushy SaaS vendors.

Second, if I'm talking to someone, the LAST thing I want to do is to encourage them to get out their phone. Phones break the flow of conversation, and it seems likely to me that the moment they get their phone out, they would be distracted by emails, likes, missed calls or cat videos!

Third, the whole idea is made redundant by just having a QR code on your business card: then people who are really worried about losing your contact info can scan it at their choice.

All this being said, I don't think SF is a good place to test the interest for this product. People here LIKE clothes and enjoy putting outfits together. We also tend towards the conservative. The idea of having to use a specific PS, by a specific maker for networking events would be a highly negative thing for most of us.

If there is a market for this kind of product, it would likely be people who may feel forced to wear a jacket and coat, but do not enjoy doing so. At least they wouldn't be feeling they're giving up something to use it, and they might also be more positive to the novel application of a PS.