MOWAL NOTCH
MOWAL NOTCH
MODULAR WALLET
The classic MOWAL NOTCH is the most popular wallet in my line. It was rewarding to design something for my own daily carry. This wallet is an example of how I would engineer a wallet if I had never seen one before.
I started making wallets after I designed a sleek kraftex case for the MicroDex Microscope. I was showing some ladies at a craft store what I had made, and one lady suggested “Tree Leather,” known as Kraftex. As soon as I felt it, I knew I was holding technology. It was durable, natural, water-resistant, flexible. I immediately started experimenting with the material and found that, because it was essentially made out of paper, it took to folding extremely well—a very unique property. I wanted to make the thinnest wallet possible; this material could make that happen because it was the thinnest material. By folding the wallet out of one piece and avoiding stitching, I would be avoiding a wider footprint caused by extra room for thread.
It was important for the product to be conscious throughout the whole experience. Designing a product that would minimize shipping waste was important to me. I wanted something that was practically zero waste. That means zero wasted room with packaging. Everything is immediately recyclable. Even the wallet itself can be recycled after years of use.
I was able to get the Flat Packed DIY version to fit in a standard 9x6 envelope. Coming in at 1.5 ounces, the MOWAL NOTCH was eligible to ship around the world for two $1.50 international stamps.
People around the world found my wallet, and I'm proud to say I've mailed out thousands. But I kept having people ask for fully folded ones. I really didn't want to do this until a friend called me. She was one of the testers for my very first model. She asked for pre-folded wallets in different colors. She had just had her first child and, although she loved folding the wallets, she just didn't have the time. Her husband wanted one as well, but they didn't want to mix them up! I've since changed my Henry Ford thinking and do small batches of pre-folded wallets. I fold them myself to ensure quality and include an entire suite of meticulously engineered love into each gift set as a thank you to those who appreciate quality design and art.
Design Constraints:
Conceal cash and cards effectively.
Must be lighter than its contents.
Dimensions: As wide as a folded dollar bill and as tall as a standard business card.
Feature a compartment for a microscope or trinkets, without relying on zippers, buttons, magnets, or clasps.
Material Considerations:
Optimal material should be flexible, waterproof, thin, and natural.
DIY Flat-packed version designed to fit within a 9x6 envelope.
Special Features:
Innovative Mechanical Switch: Slide up the flat switch on the front face to access 2 cards in the pocket.
Slide Tray Compartment: Adaptable storage for:
Coins
Keys
Airtags
Mini notebooks and pens
Origami Design Philosophy:
Crafted from a single, contiguous piece.
Eliminates the need for zippers, magnets, buttons, or clasps.
Achieves enhanced strength and thinness through folding.
Avoids unnecessary perforations, eliminating the need for stitching and creating a compact design.
Production Quality:
Maintains high standards through small-scale production.
Compatibility:
Works seamlessly with MOWAL MEMENTO Notebooks.
Ideal for OTHO Minimo Pens/Pencils.
