Despite the unstoppable progress made by digital technology, there's something apparently impervious in the appeal physical objects. Recently we saw Six Monkeys byMail Chimp, who together with designer Brendan Dawes created a series of interactive devices that change the context in which we interact with email by blending them with familiar implements.

Of Instruments and Archetypes is a collaborative effort from Belgian studio Unfold, Dutch design and research lab Kirschner3D and British designer Penny Webb. By giving classic measuring tools digital functions, human error is avoided and traditional physicality is maintained. This produces more accurate results, keeping up with the advancing digital world whilst also making use of original appliances.

The collection includes a calliper, measuring tape and protractor, tools familiar to most of us. Each one is able to measure physical objects and transfer the results to an on-screen digital 3D model, which can be viewed on various devices. The user is able to watch the parameters of their design adjust in real-time, with the option of printing the finished piece via digital production techniques.