SensoGrip

Research period: January 1^st, 2020 to December 31^st, 2021

In the interdisciplinary research project "SensoGrip" a pen for the therapy of children with graphomotor weakness has been developed for and with therapy centers and schools.

Graphomotor skills are of essential importance for being prepared for school. In particular, pressure control is of central importance for drawing and writing. If the ability to control pressure is inadequate, writing and drawing become significantly more difficult, the hand muscles tire more quickly and children find it more difficult to follow lessons because they have to concentrate too much on the writing itself.

The goal of this research project is the user-centered development and evaluation of a pressure-sensitive pen. This pen is intended to support children who have difficulties in pressure control to achieve better graphomotor skills through direct visual feedback. Pressure sensors on the handle of the pen measure the strength of the hand pressure and provide feedback via feedback options in the pen. The pressure curves can also be read out and used as a diagnostic, evaluation and therapy tool.

Applied research and development is conducted through interdisciplinary collaboration between the Health Assisting Engineering, Occupational Therapy, High Tech Manufacturing, and Electronic Systems Engineering programs with student involvement.

• The interdisciplinary development and production of a prototype of a pressure-sensitive pen. 
• Evaluation of the system in terms of usability, user satisfaction and effects. 
• The interlinking of research, development, teaching and practice for the ongoing innovation of teaching content and support of R&D activities.