The process involved dissecting the mechanical structure of a standard pencil to understand how its weight distribution affects long-term usage. By isolating the object from its commercial context, I was able to redesign the casing using a specific density of wood that balances durability with a lighter tactile feel in the hand.

The second phase of the project focused on the application of a high-friction matte finish. The goal was to eliminate the slippage that occurs with gloss-coated alternatives, which often leads to hand fatigue during extended writing sessions. Through iterative testing, I finalized a color-coding system that integrates directly into the barrel design, making it possible for users to identify lead grades instantly without relying on the traditional, often illegible, foil-stamped lettering found on standard pencils.