The combination of traditional joinery and the adjustable characteristic of Oriental products through writing instruments

Abstract

Handwriting has a long history, but the recording of knowledge and communication of ideas is increasingly shifting towards digital methods. While advantageous, they lack the personal nature of handwriting. The trend of rejection of digital methods, and the romanticization of “handcrafted” has extended to writing, and has increased the interest in this form of self-expression. There is an opportunity to examine writing instruments and to the contemporary role of handwriting. Contemporary writing instruments are available at a wide range of prices, and most in the middle to luxury bracket are marketed more as status symbols. Pen manufacturers focus on materials, design, and marketing, the desire for ornament has overtaken the drive for innovation. As a form of individual expression, handwriting lacks a tool which can also be as individual as the writer. This project explores the combination of traditional joinery and the adjustable characteristic of Oriental products through writing instruments, and aims to improve the performance of the writing tool and the experience of handwriting.