Smart: The Pen That Talks by Calic Cao

Award-Winning Design Merges Functionality with Emotional Expression

The inspiration for Smart came from the Chinese abacus, a tool where several balls are beaded together yet remain independent of each other. By integrating A-Z letters and 0-9 numbers on individual rings, users can string together any combination they desire. This design not only allows for large-scale production but also provides a unique, customizable experience for the user.

Smart is more than a writing tool; it's a pen that can talk. The set includes A-Z and 0-9 rings, allowing users to create phrases such as "HAPPY" or "LET ME ALONE" to express their emotions. They can also combine letters to create a personalized signature, offering limitless possibilities for self-expression.

The design of Smart utilizes modularization of the 26 letters, replacing traditional printing or laser printing methods and enabling batch production. This approach meets the demand for product customization while solving the challenge of mass-producing customized items. The design also reduces the use of ink chemical products, saving costs and ensuring the ink is non-toxic and harmless to the human body.

Smart's unique 3D typographic design substitutes the pen clip for anti-roll, ensuring the pen remains stable on the table. The design also includes an air hole in the cap to prevent suffocation if accidentally swallowed. This thoughtful design is not only functional but also promotes safety.

Smart was designed in response to increasing incidents of students running away from home or committing suicide due to study pressure. By adding an element of fun to a tool frequently used by students, the designer hoped to provide a channel for them to relieve their emotions and alleviate pressure. The design was completed in November 2018 in Ningbo city, China.

Calic Cao's Smart is a testament to the power of design in transforming everyday objects into tools for self-expression and emotional relief. It's not just a pen; it's a medium for communication, a tool for personalization, and a symbol of the limitless possibilities of design.