Korean Design Studio Revitalizes Writing with Experimental Pencils

Korean design studio BKID has unveiled an innovative project titled “Write Draw Think,” aiming to transform the conventional perception of writing tools. This initiative challenges the prevailing belief that handwriting is becoming obsolete in an increasingly digital world. Scheduled for exhibition at the Hangeul Museum in 2025, the project features sixteen experimental writing tools specifically crafted to explore the relationship between the act of writing and physical expression.

Rather than viewing pencils as mere instruments for recording thoughts, BKID reimagines them as connections between the mind and body. Through meticulous research, the studio analyzed how individuals engage with pencils, focusing on gestures, hand movements, and the habits that arise during writing. This research informed the design of each tool, creating unique writing experiences that encourage users to rethink their approach to mark-making.

Transforming Writing into Art

The project offers a diverse range of writing experiences, catering to both individual and collaborative efforts. Some tools are intended for deep, introspective writing, facilitating a flow state that fosters creativity. Others are designed for group activities, allowing multiple individuals to draw or write together on a shared line. This interactive approach highlights the potential of collaborative creativity and redefines traditional writing practices.

BKID’s design philosophy pays close attention to the mechanics of writing. Tools with sharp edges emphasize the tension in letter structures, enhancing awareness of angles and pressure, while rounded designs evoke a softer, more fluid interaction that reflects the unique qualities of Korean vowels. These intentional choices impact how users engage with the tools, challenging them to reconsider their writing techniques.

Celebrating Korean Typography

The project also serves as a homage to Korean typography. The geometric clarity and systematic nature of Hangeul create a rich backdrop for examining the interplay between writing instruments and the marks they produce. BKID’s exploration emphasizes that writing systems are not merely abstract symbols; they are physical acts shaped by the tools that create them. By rethinking these tools, BKID opens avenues for reimagining the marks themselves.

In an era where artificial intelligence generates text and voice notes replace handwritten communication, “Write Draw Think” stands as a testament to the enduring value of analog tools. The project does not advocate for the supremacy of handwriting nor does it romanticize the past. Instead, it champions the idea that the physical act of writing still holds untapped potential, with experiences accessible only through the direct connection between hand, tool, and surface.

BKID’s approach to this design challenge emphasizes the importance of user behavior and gesture over purely aesthetic considerations. By grounding their designs in real-world usage, the studio ensures that the experimental tools are functional and meaningful rather than arbitrary. This balance of tradition and innovation showcases a respect for craftsmanship while exploring new possibilities in design.

For those intrigued by the intersection of design, culture, and everyday objects, “Write Draw Think” serves as a reminder that true innovation does not always require technological advancements. Sometimes, it involves stripping an idea down to its core and exploring what new experiences can emerge. This project encourages individuals to reconsider their writing tools, opening their minds to the myriad ways they can write, draw, and think through the simple act of mark-making.