Eli smartpen with abc cursive background and app screens

5th Semester Project 2021

Eli

Eli is a smartpen designed to promote healthy writing posture for elementary school children. Developed with occupational therapists, the pen combines ergonomic behavioural training with connectivity and play.

Strategic researchPrototypingProduct designCMFUI / UX

5th Semester Project · 2021

Smartpen for healthy handwriting

The premise

Healthy writing starts with the hands.

Due to underdeveloped fine motor skills, only 40% of elementary school students in Germany can write legibly for more than 30 minutes without discomfort, cramps or fatigue.

Eli pairs an ergonomic body with sensors that quietly coach grip, pressure and angle — turning writing practice into a game.

Three factors for healthy handwriting.

Ergonomics

The triangular shape encourages a dynamic tripod grip, allowing the child to write using fine finger movements instead of relying on larger wrist or arm motions.

Pressure regulation

Instead of pressing too hard or writing too faintly, applying just the right amount of force reduces hand fatigue and improves legibility.

The right angle

Holding the pencil at 45° to 60° supports fluid writing movements, improves control and prevents excessive pressure on the paper.

Development.

Through interviews with occupational therapists, an ergonomic pen was developed that not only encourages the dynamic tripod grip, but also collects data about the child's writing behaviour during use.

Sensors measure grip force, pen angle and writing duration — fed back through the companion app as gentle nudges.