An Experimental Cybernetic Analysis of Handwriting and Penpoint Design

Abstract

This study investigated the relations between the design of instruments for writing and the efficiency of handwriting based on a sensory feedback theory of dynamic motion control and guidance. Three levels of sensory feedback, i.e. reactive, instrumental and operational, were believed to regulate the focal marking action of writing movements. Different types of writing instruments in use today provide different sources of visual, tactile and kinaesthetic feedback effects on the dynamic process of writing performance. In fountain-pen design, the superior writing efficiency of points off-centred from the axis of the shank was hypothesized. Both centred and off-centred ponpoints wore designed and used in this research. The writing time of 24 subjects was measured for three writing tasks. The results confirmed the basic feedback assumptions regarding writing tool designs and handwriting efficiency

Notes

∗Now at the Highway Safety Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A