About the Challenge

This design challenge invites innovators to conceptualize and prototype a smart learning system.

The goal is to develop two devices:

A smart pen that digitizes writing and drawing by tracking motion, plus a holographic pin device that captures hand gestures in the air for writing, drawing, and communication.

Your task is to design for both the devices, blending precision hardware, intuitive interaction, and accessible digital capture technology — making analog writing and natural motion as powerful as modern computing.

This challenge explores how future humans may communicate, sketch, or ideate: without keyboards, screens, or limitations.

Bring your expertise in electronics, product design, embedded systems, and human-computer interaction — and help shape the next evolution of intuitive digital expression.

What to Build

Prototype for - 

  • A physical working smart pen
  • A wearable holographic motion-tracking pin

Your design should include the following for both the devices - 

  • A device form
  • Internal assembly breakdown
  • The whole workflow of software-hardware synergy to convert pen-written content and hand gestures into a digital (holographic) format.

Optional enhancements may include:

  • Pressure sensitivity or tilt recognition
  • AR projection guidance
  • AI-supported handwriting cleanup
  • Real-time multilingual transcription

Not required but encouraged for - 1) Cloud sync and offline mode, 2) Interoperability with digital whiteboards and design systems, and 3) Accessibility modes (for disabled users or motor skill support)

 

Requirements

Your submission must include:

Prototype-Ready or Concept Design Files

  • CAD or modeled mechanical design of the device
  • Exploded view showing sensors, housing, PCB, and mechanisms
  • Manufacturing or 3D print files (if applicable)

 Technical System Documentation

  • Component and circuit layout diagram
  • Firmware or software flow (gesture → signal → output)
  • Motion-tracking and calibration methodology

 Cost Breakdown & Sourcing Strategy

  • Bill of Materials (BOM)
  • Cost tiers (Prototype cost / Scaled cost)
  • Component sourcing approach (open hardware, common suppliers, recycled materials)

No copyrighted commercial hardware designs may be copied.

Innovation Rationale (Max 500 Words)

Explain:

  • The problem it solves and user need
  • Why the design is feasible and scalable
  • Expected tracking resolution, latency, and use cases
  • Who the device benefits (students, creators, engineers, disabled users, storytellers, etc.)
  • How it could expand into an ecosystem or platform

And make sure of prioritizing timelines and costing for the following –

  • Outsourcing charges for R&D, design engineering, consultancy, testing, and expert cost.
  • Raw materials, consumables, and spares.
  • Fabrication/synthesis charges of working model or process.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$55 in prizes
Winner
$55 in cash
1 winner

Cash prize straightaway for the winning entry, and post that, a commitment for involvement in the execution would be required too.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Yusuf Usmani

Yusuf Usmani
Stick and Dot

Judging Criteria

  • Ease in execution
    How cost-effective and easy to execute the solution is.
  • Clarity and detailing
    How clear and detailed design/engineering documents are, for the execution.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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