An exploration of time, memory, and interaction, this project reconsiders a familiar object through a more reflective lens. Designed to capture subtle traces of use, it invites awareness of everyday moments and the ways objects quietly record our experiences.
I began by filling a page with images that evoked ideas of time and memory. From there, I created a brainstorming wall, linking those visuals to broader concepts to explore further.
One idea I kept returning to was the pen, as one of the earliest tools used to record thoughts and preserve moments. Through writing, time becomes something tangible, captured and revisited, making the pen a subtle but powerful signifier of memory.
Early concepts explored different ways a pen could record time, from ink meters and mileage counters to internal clocks and grips that wear down to fit the hand.
After completing 2D sketches, I moved into 3D exploration, focusing on refining the pen’s scale and establishing its basic forms. This stage involved over 90 unique iterations, testing a wide range of sizes and shapes.
From the three main forms I moved into material exploration, choosing a metal body to give the pen a weighty premium feel while testing a range of grip materials from rubber to leather and wood, referencing traditional pens and reinforcing the project’s connection to time and memory.
I moved forward with a cylindrical body to maximize comfort, drawing inspiration from legacy fountain pen brands. A subtle taper toward the grip allows the cap to slide on and off, while maintaining simple, clean forms. The screen is integrated with a chamfered edge along the curved surface.
