Participatory design and needs assessment for a pressure-sensitive pen and mobile application (SensoGrip) for children with handwriting problems

Figures & data

Figure 1. Crafted pens from the children’s workshop.

Nine pen designs made of coloured clay by children.

Figure 2. Crafted pens from the interdisciplinary workshop.

Seven pen designs with accessories made of coloured clay by project team members.

Table 1. Creative design and feature ideas from the interdisciplinary workshop according to the Cognitive Behavioural Game Design Model.

Graphics	Visualization of the pressure curve of the SensoGrip pen on a tablet Visualization could be shown in the context of a street. Correct pressure should be expressed as “staying on the street” without crossing the borders. Display an evaluation of the written text with colour-coding of low, middle, and high pressure in green, yellow and red. Display green, yellow or red LED on SensoGrip pen according to low, middle, and high pressure Display different smileys on the SensoGrip pen according to pressure Colour of the pencil should be gender-neutral Tablet app with animation that is controlled by the SensoGrip pen (e.g., maze that should be traversed by applying different pressures on the pen)
Music/sound	Sound output on the SensoGrip pen according to pressure (e.g., applause, music) Sound output volume depending on the pressure (e.g., high pressure—loud, low pressure—quiet) Sound output when pressure is correct over a predefined period (e.g., one beep after 10 s, two beeps after 20 s)
Physical movement	Small toy figure that vibrates when pressure is too high or correct (individual settings) SensoGrip pen vibrates when pressure is correct for a certain period
Humor	Funny sounds when pressure is too high (e.g., “ouch”, “boing”) Tablet application with toy figure that is becoming thicker or thinner according to applied pressure on SensoGrip pen Small toy figure that laughs or giggles when pressure on SensoGrip pen is correct
Space/positioning	All-round sensitive grip area
Narrative	Accompanying tablet app with a story mode with specific tasks for adjusting writing pressure Exercises with stories—what happens at high or low pressure
Logic/patterns	Display with rising or sinking pressure on a scale Several LEDs that light up according to pressure (e.g., one LED—low pressure, all LEDs—high pressure) Display on SensoGrip fills up with colour according to time of correct pressure applied
Nature	Leaves on SensoGrip pen illuminate one after another according to a period of correct pressure applied
Relationships/role models	Replaceable toy figures as pendants of the SensoGrip pen with individual settings for each child Accompanying story for exercises with SensoGrip pen with role model (e.g., “pen hero”)
Math/numbers	Visual display of applied pressure with digits on SensoGrip pen or external display or tablet app
Words/language	Feedback output about applied pressure in words (e.g., “a little less”, “much more”, “too high”) Sound output of a story that is read faster or slower according to higher or lower pressure
Personal reflection	Adjustable pressure range that is defined as correct SensoGrip pen or tablet app displays the amount of time SensoGrip was used Selectable smileys that give feedback about pressure according to the child’s preferences

Table 2. User stories with the highest priority ranking.

Category	Number of user stories	Example (highest priority ranking)
Design and colour	10	As a therapist, I want the pressure-sensitive grip area of SensoGrip to be of contrasting colour, to show the child where to position the fingers for writing.
Shape	8	As a therapist, I want the shape of the grip area to be individualized (round-shaped, triangle-shaped, grip recess) to suit the preferences of each child.
Haptics	2	As a therapist, I want that the grip is medium soft and rubberized, to ensure a good and stable grip.
Size and weight	5	As a therapist, I want the SensoGrip pen to be comparable with a common pen in terms of size and weight, to ensure that children have enough tactile input (not too light) and don’t show fatigue (not too heavy).
Mine	9	As a therapist, I want an exchangeable pencil and roller pen mine, to meet age-specific needs.
Feedback	23	As a therapist, I want the SensoGrip to give visual feedback about the applied pressure in the front part of the pen, to make sure that children don’t lose sight of their written text.
Settings—general	6	As a therapist, I want that settings can be changed quickly to allow smooth application of SensoGrip in the therapy setting.
Settings—what?	5	As a therapist, I want to set an individual pressure feedback range, to ensure motivating feedback for children with various handwriting pressure severity.
Settings—on pen	6	As a therapist, I want that settings, which can be made directly on the pen do not negatively influence the weight of the pen, to prevent the child’s hand from fatigue.
Settings—how?	7	As a therapist, I want that individual settings can be made on an external device, such as a computer, tablet or smartphone, to make them independent from the pen.
Settings—synchronization	5	As a therapist, I want a wireless connection between the pen and the external device, so I do not need a cable.
Assessment and evaluation	22	As a therapist, I want to view pressure changes over a longer period of time, to get an impression of therapy progress.
Others	12	As a therapist, I want the usage of SensoGrip to be intuitive and easy, to reduce learning efforts.