FOCUS AREA
Dysgraphia is the inability to write coherently, often linked to a neurological condition or a learning disability. It presents with a variety of symptoms that can vary by age and is classified as a neurological learning difference.
Writing difficulties often go unnoticed or are misunderstood, affecting students confidence, academic performance, and engagement.
PROBLEM
Every classroom has students who face unseen challenges. One of the most overlooked yet impactful struggles is related to writing development.
How might we create a solution that identifies and addresses writing difficulties in the classroom, while encouraging students to build confidence, improve academic performance, and stay engaged?
Looking at our design process
Research
Our research focused on understanding user needs and their challenges
Design
Our design process focused on creating solutions based on our insights
Test
We tested our design solutions to ensure they aligned with user preferences.
Improve
We refined our designs based on the test results we received.
RESEARCH
We conducted quantitative research using methods such as online forums, academic articles, and informative videos. This helped us uncover theses shocking impacts
of children experience difficulty in writing.
10-30%
90%
of our respondants received little to no support
5-20%
of people have dysgraphia
Qualitative Surveys
National Institute of Health
Cleveland Clinic
“I was told to stop being sloppy. Teachers didn’t recognize my struggles for what they were.”
Survey Respondent
“Even with accommodations in place, teachers rarely follow through. It’s an ongoing struggle.”
Survey Respondent
In addition, here is what our qualitative survey respondents had to say...
At first our team researched ways to ease and relieve writing pain associated with dysgraphia and fine motor regression, but once we stepped back and examined all our research, we realized a much bigger gap in the education system as it is today.
Using this information, we shifted to examine the challenges schools face in diagnosing and supporting students.
Lack of Early Diagnoses
Insufficient Funding
Lack of Teacher Training
Inadequate Accommodations
1
2
3
4
To deepen our understanding, we conducted interviews with individuals diagnosed with dysgraphia and occupational therapists, gaining valuable firsthand insights. Here’s what we discovered:
Alyssa is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist who works with young patients, helping with fine motor skills such as hand writing difficulties.
Alyssa, Occupational Therapist
Alyssa shared her experiences with her patients and highlighted how AI could support them by personalizing learning, adapting to individual needs, and providing real-time feedback to help young students in the classroom.
Even when diagnosed, students face resistance to accommodations like extra time or digital tools, and traditional classrooms hinder their progress, leading to frustration and isolation.
Teachers are often unaware of the signs of dysgraphia and how to accommodate it effectively in the classroom. Current educational strategies are designed for neurotypical students
Limited budgets prevent schools from investing in specialized interventions and support, leaving students with dysgraphia without the attention they need to thrive.
Many schools lack the resources to identify dysgraphia early, leading to delays in intervention and students being mislabeled as lazy or inattentive.
30%
55%
When using AI in the classroom
improvement in diagnostic accuracy has been linked to AI tools,
Educational Technology Research
increase in classroom engagement with technology.
And with a little more research...
Educational Technology Research
Educational Technology Research
Students often experience writing difficulties early, facing criticism and misconceptions from teachers and peers. Students also deal with physical discomfort and pain when writing, especially during prolonged writing sessions.
INSIGHTS
These findings provided a strong foundation for our insights, allowing us to identify key opportunities where technology, can address the challenges faced by young students and their educators.
Early Struggles and Misunderstanding
Early Struggles and Misunderstanding
Academic Impact
Emotional Toll
Lack of Effective Support and Accommodations
Desire for Tools and Support
Rune aims to change that by introducing an objective, data-driven solution that enhances the ability to identify, understand, and respond to writing difficulties with accuracy and care.
OUR VISION
Motor Control
Letter Sizing
Data Driven
AI Model
Letter Formation
Writing Speed
Grip Control
Dysgraphia
Visual Processing
Issues
Poor Spelling
Dyslexia
Hand Fatigue
ADHD
General Learning
Delays
Coordination
Disorder
Fine Motor
Regression
Poor Grip
Control
This gives teachers the tools they need to spot and address student needs in an objective way, without the need to go by gut instincts and assumptions.
We believe by implementing our strategy, we can bridge the gap between teacher, student, and parent. Fostering a productive relationship between them through objective, data-driven support.
opportunities
Teachers
Student
Parent
For our physical product, we aimed to create a tool that could seamlessly collect and organize data alongside our digital product. We explored various ideas, including a glove or a grip, before ultimately deciding on a pen as our final direction.
Smart Pencil For Students
Ideation
Preliminary sketches exploring potential pen components and form concepts.
After conducting some initial research, I used my industrial design background to create concept sketches, helping us determine the optimal form for our product.
Later refined ideation sketches incorporating functional components.
After numerous iterations, we narrowed our options down to two final designs and proceeded with prototyping and testing.
First, we started out by testing clay models that led to 2 different 3D printed prototypes. Each had their own unique characteristics to test ergonomic design.
included a 3 sided rudimentary form with a helix grip.
During testing some of the edges felt uncomfortable to users, but they liked how the form guided their fingers into position.
was found to be more familiar in form. People tended to pick this one up first.
Our biggest feedback was the lack of clear finger placement, making it difficult for users to know how to hold it. Otherwise, the form was found to be the best.
EXPLORATION
Helix Grip
Long Tip
Symmetrical Form
Offset Grip
Thumb Rest
Organic Form
Design 1
Design 2
Through these tests, we identified the design that works best for users and determined the essential functions the pen needs. This process ultimately guided us to our final design.
Take a look at our functions
Infrared Cameras
Our triple infrared camera system is top-of-line, with high accuracy tracking it can digitize writing in real time.
a sleek, modern pen with an ergonomic design refined through extensive user testing to maximize comfort and usability. Equipped with advanced sensors and hardware, it delivers a suite of powerful functionalities.
It doesn’t stop there. Our device seamlessly works in hand with our teacher portal, With the ability to showcase information captured by the pen. This makes troubleshooting and support easier and more efficient for teachers.
rune.com
Pen 11
Emad Said
Connected
Lionel Messi
Disconnected
Pen 2
Pen 1
Home
Students
Reports
Library
Anna has been consistently holding the pen with high grip pressure, which might be causing hand fatigue. Her writing angle has improved, but she struggles with maintaining consistent speed.
Showing signs of Fine Motor Regression
C. Delashmet
SCAD, Savannah
Phase 2
Teacher Portal
Digital Product
Our competitor analysis compared Kahoot with Quizizz, Mentimeter, and Gimkit.
Kahoot excels in interactive, game-based quizzes, while Quizizz offers self-paced learning and detailed reports. Mentimeter focuses on live polling and feedback, and Gimkit combines quizzes with strategy games to boost engagement.
These comparisons highlight the potential for a diagnostic tool that combines Kahoot's engaging approach with the personalized insights and adaptive feedback offered by its competitors.
A gamified platform offers an effective solution for teaching handwriting and diagnosing dysgraphia. By using game-like elements, it keeps students engaged and motivated. For teachers, it provides real-time data to tailor instruction and identify handwriting challenges. This approach combines engagement with actionable insights, making it a valuable classroom tool.
Through this additional research, we identified key features that guided the development of our product. Supported by user testing and multiple iterations, we refined the design to ensure this data-driven tool operates at its best.
rune.com
Pen 11
Emad Said
Connected
Lionel Messi
Disconnected
Pen 2
Pen 1
Home
Students
Reports
Library
Anna has been consistently holding the pen with high grip pressure, which might be causing hand fatigue. Her writing angle has improved, but she struggles with maintaining consistent speed.
Showing signs of Fine Motor Regression
C. Delashmet
SCAD, Savannah
Take a look at our features
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Reports
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Answer questions related to the revolutionary war and george washingotns role in the founding of the United States of America
Answer questions related to the revolutionary war and george washingotns role in the founding of the United States of America
Answer questions related to the revolutionary war and george washingotns role in the founding of the United States of America
George Crosses the Delaware
George Crosses the Delaware
George Crosses the Delaware
Answer questions related to the revolutionary war and george washingotns role in the founding of the United States of America
Answer questions related to the revolutionary war and george washingotns role in the founding of the United States of America
Answer questions related to the revolutionary war and george washingotns role in the founding of the United States of America
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C. Delashmet
SCAD, Savannah
Pen 11
Emad Said
Connected
Lionel Messi
Disconnected
Pen 2
Pen 1
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Anna has been consistently holding the pen with high grip pressure, which might be causing hand fatigue. Her writing angle has improved, but she struggles with maintaining consistent speed.
Showing signs of Fine Motor Regression
C. Delashmet
SCAD, Savannah
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Students
Reports
Library
George Crosses the Delaware
Historical Figures of the Civil War
George Crosses the Delaware
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SCAD, Savannah
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C. Delashmet
SCAD, Savannah
34%
66%
Capitals of the World
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Capitals of the World
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Oct 22 2025
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Oct 30 2025
November 4 2025
21
21
21
21
20
Letters of the Alphabet
Vocabulary Quiz 1
US Revolutionary War
Vocabulary Quiz 2
Players
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Quiz
34%
66%
Capitals of the World
Class 1
Skip
Write the letter A
1/8
9
C
b.
A
1
2
3
60
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Student Overview
Personalize Profiles
Record Performance
Diagnosis
Track Development
+
55%
increase in classroom engagement when technology is present
+
30%
improvement in diagnostic accuracy has been linked to AI tools
equipping teachers with…
insights for personalized instruction
class engagmentt
real time assessments of writing and development
01
02
03
With Rune, we empower educators and support students by transforming writing assessment from subjective observation to precise, data-driven insight. all while enhancing class engagement and the learning environment
Our pen design and intuitive UI offer an integrated approach that enhances understanding, fosters student confidence, and promotes academic success.
Results
Summary
One of my biggest takeaways from this project was the opportunity to integrate a physical product with a digital platform, creating a cohesive, two-part solution. This experience allowed me to refine my skills in blending these elements seamlessly into a unified design.
Additionally, I advanced my skills in Rhino and KeyShot, pushing my versatility in both UX and industrial design, and further strengthening my ability to create well-rounded, innovative solutions.
Thank you to the team and professors that made this all possible!
Thank you for taking the time to look at my work :)
Duration
10 Weeks
Role
UX Writing Lead
Year
2024
Responsibilities
Product Idealization, Physical Production, Research
Team
Max Bloom, Steven Vasil, Max Claride-Hook
SCAD
2024
Create a product or service that addresses the needs of a neurodivergent audience, either for a specific group or for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.
Project Overview:
Rune
