A Study on the Physiological Effects of Pen Usage

Abstract

Recently, the proliferation of digital tools has extended into the field of writing instruments. However, the value of analog tools such as pens remains significant. Handwritten notes have been reported to enhance comprehension, aid in memory retention, and reduce stress. Human perception and values play a significant role in cognitive processes and may influence physiological responses. Moreover, interest in the use of subjective evaluations and physiological signal analysis for industrial applications through quantifying and utilizing the psychological responses of users to products is increasing. In this study, we explored the potential for industrial applications of physiological signal analysis to evaluate the psychological responses of users to writing instruments. We conducted a simple mental arithmetic task using two different pens and simultaneously performed brainwave measurements and subjective evaluations. The results suggest that users' sentiments toward pens, as reflected in subjective evaluations, may be mirrored in their brainwave patterns. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the brainwave analysis results for each pen, indicating the potential varying effects of different pens on the human body.