3 screens showcasing practices to write the letter I

Starwriter

Evidence-based handwriting webapp for young learners.

Starwriter is an open source app. Try it on a tablet!

Recognized by the Webby Awards and w3 Award 🎉

My Role:

UX/UI Designer

 

Overview

In 2022, we collaborated with non profits, Magpie Literacy and Great First Eight to create Starwriter, a web app designed to teach handwriting to Pre-K - 1st grade students. Drawing on Dr. Nell Duke’s research, Starwriter has a unconvenun approach to teaching handwriting.
The app features short, 10-minute sessions that group letters into kinesthetic sets, starting with simpler shapes before advancing to more complex forms.

 

Since we were not able to store any data about progress, we designed a screen were students could choose the set they were practicing that day.

Starwriter homepage

 

Starwriter is tailored for first-time writers, balancing simplicity with engaging features. We introduced pre-writing videos and demonstrations on proper stylus grip.

The app’s design includes custom background songs, a vibrant and intuitive UI, and a starscape visual theme. The name "Starwriter" reflects this playful and visually appealing design.

 
a screen showing feedback when student selecting a correct option.
a screen showing feedback when student selecting an incorrect option.
 

Process

UX Design and User Flows

We began by deep dive into Dr. Duke’s research to ensure Starwriter’s design was rooted in proven educational principles. We started by developing user flows and wireframes to translate the research into engaging and age-appropriate activities for students. A key part of this process involved breaking down the experience into smaller, manageable segments to maintain the attention and engagement of young learners.

 
 

UI Design

For the UI design, we connected the digital experience with the tangible act of writing and incorporated paper textures and hand drawn lines. To add an element of imagination, we chose a space theme.
Additionally, we implemented a reward system which provides incentives for consistent practice and achieving milestones, encouraging students to stay engaged and perform well. Some examples of these rewards are unlocking new pen colors and interactive games where students chase stars to spell out letters.

 
 

User Testing and Research

Lastly, we conducted an observational study at an elementary school in Brooklyn to evaluate Starwriter’s effectiveness. This study revealed that the initial spacing activity needed adjustments. As a result, we developed a new activity where students move a written letter to complete a word with correct spacing, improving their practice of letter formation and placement.

We also consulted with the Teacher Council to gather feedback on the app’s design, usability, and lesson content. This input was crucial for refining the app and ensuring it meets educators' needs.

 
 

Challenges

Designing Starwriter for a wide range of classroom environments presented several challenges. Many underfunded schools lack access to advanced styluses, so we engineered the app to work effectively with basic tools.

Over the course of three months, we developed a functional demo of Starwriter, which was tested in classrooms. We continued to refine the app based on feedback throughout the following year. Starwriter is now used in schools across 6 states, with plans for further expansion.