Universal Design Calligraphy Pen
Communication through object
Product Design | CAD | Prototype | 3D Printing
Client: School Project for UW-MKE
Role: Designer | 3D Modeler | Prototyper
Responsibilities: Universal Design | CAD | 3D Printing | Ergonomic Testing | Iteration | Fabrication
Authorship: Solo
Year: 2022
Overview
A redesign of a traditional calligraphy pen based on the principles of Universal Design. The project explored how ergonomic considerations, physical interaction, and additive manufacturing could be used to create a more accessible writing tool.
Problem
How can a calligraphy pen be designed to accommodate all types of different users for the mode of writing?
Process
The design began with research into the seven principles of Universal Design and an evaluation of how a traditional calligraphy pen is physically held and operated. I used empathy mapping and ergonomic studies to identify issues around grip, accessibility, nib insertion, and interaction. The main goal was to make a pen that can be used for all. I developed the redesigned form in Rhino and produced a series of 3D-printed prototypes to test scale, comfort, and mechanical fitment. One of the main challenges was achieving the correct tolerance for the removable nib. User critique revealed additional opportunities for refinement, including the size of the grip area, color, questioning the usage of the protective ink shield, spring connection, and the clarity of the button interaction. The final prototype brought these ergonomic, functional, and fabrication studies together into a more accessible interpretation of the traditional calligraphy pen.
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