Form Follows Function Reflection

In my forms follows function post thing, I decided to improve the ruler. Shape would be rectangular, length would be 12 inches, and it would be any color you would like-it doesn't really make a difference here. The main difference from the average ruler would be that it would have holes in the corners, in order to stabilize the ruler without using hands. This stemmed from my frustration with having a ruler slip while drawing something, and having to erase it or start all over again. Additionally, the slit in the center has both metric and imperial units on either side, for quick and easy conversion. Although these may be small improvements, when dealing with something so often used as the ruler, any improvement makes a large difference over time.

To make this ruler, you would either 3D print it, cast it from a mold, or laser cut it. Essentially, if you can carve holes and notches into a material, you can make this ruler.

This kind of reminds of me of levels, which have a little gel capsule in the middle. Perhaps the holes to stabilize could also be applied to those. Other than that, it reminds me of a ruler(obviously) and a triangle right angle thing.

If I had time, I could probably build in clamps so that you could clamp the ruler to a piece of wood or the table. However, that would probably make the ruler more complicated to build, and more expensive, so it would be a trade-off.

As you can see in the image below, I got an appraisal for printing my ruler on a 3D printing site called Shapeways. Unfortunately, it is extremely expensive.

Footnote: Sorry I don't have any images of my work in Inventor; I typed this at home. I'll add them when I can.