Self Serviceable Pen Grip

Driven by a persistent quest for the optimal pen gripping mechanism, I have continued to explore various approaches. While downloading pre-designed solutions offered some avenues to investigate, I ultimately found the results unsatisfactory. This spurred me to embark on designing my own innovative system.

The breakthrough moment came when I had the insight to utilize everyday hair bands as the foundation. This elasticated material not only possesses the ability to return to its original form, but also presents a smooth surface that minimizes friction against the pens. Crucially, when the hair bands eventually lose their grip over time, they can be easily swapped out for fresh replacements.

Inspired by this discovery, I set about designing a new cover to house the hair band-based gripping system. But that was not the only improvement I had in mind. After careful consideration, I decided to reorient the paper holes from the long side to the short side. This seemingly minor adjustment has had a transformative effect, dramatically enhancing the aspect ratio of the drawing area. Gone are the days of a cramped, narrow workspace - the new configuration offers a much more satisfying and practical canvas for my creative endeavors.

As I reflect on this iterative journey, I can't help but feel a growing sense of confidence that I am steadily closing in on the elusive MVP (Minimum Viable Product) for this project. The combination of the hair band gripping mechanism and the optimized paper orientation has breathed new life into my vision, and I'm eager to see how this evolving design continues to take shape.