Handwriting - Analog Writing in the Digital Age

Computers, tablets, smartphones – new technology has catapulted us headlong into the digital age. Thanks to the mobile nature of these devices, we can take all our notes on them and have them with us at all times. However, this carries the risk that analogue writing and the importance of our handwriting will be forgotten. We present you with compelling arguments for taking handwritten notes!

Why rely on handwritten notes?

Why rely on handwritten notes?

Before the advent of computers and the like, people wrote by hand for millennia. In fact, writing by hand has a multitude of positive effects on the human brain and well-being. We will show you the advantages of written communication and explain why it is worthwhile to continue using handwriting.

Reason 1: Handwriting as Brain Training

Reason 1: Handwriting as Brain Training

Different areas of the brain are activated when writing by hand. The movement of the hand not only forms letters but also shapes thoughts. This promotes creativity and critical thinking. Those who write by hand also think more intensively about what they have written and can better remember the content. Therefore, handwritten notes are a very good learning method.

These findings are the result of a series of studies on the subject of ‘handwriting’ conducted by scientists Pam Mueller from Princeton University and Daniel Oppenheimer from the University of California. The study participants were asked to take notes on a video – one group on a computer, the other by hand. This led to the above findings.

The scientists argue that the speed of writing makes the difference here. Those who type quickly and extensively on a keyboard have to think less about the actual content of what they are writing. Those who write by hand rephrase the content in their heads, shorten it and thus remember it much better. In this way, every sentence written by hand trains the brain.

Reason 2: A Creative Outlet

Reason 2: A Creative Outlet

Handwriting is more than just conveying information. It is an expression of personality and provides space for creativity. Whether through hand lettering, calligraphy, or simply by embellishing one's own notes – handwriting is a way to express oneself artistically. Visualizing thoughts, finding your own style, or improving your handwriting: all of this is possible with pen and paper.

Reason 3: Finding Your Own Writing Style

Reason 3: Finding Your Own Writing Style

Every person has a unique handwriting that develops and changes throughout life. This individuality can be consciously cultivated to beautify one's own handwriting. There are many exercises you can use to improve your handwriting. Trying out different handwriting styles can help you find your own style and rediscover the joy of analog writing.

Reason 4: Independence from Technology

A notebook is quickly at hand; you don't have to boot it up, connect it to the internet, charge the battery, etc. A spontaneous flash of insight can sometimes vanish before you've even opened the writing program on your PC. It's quicker to grab a pen and jot down a sentence as a memory aid on paper. Often, such notes are also more durable. What a wonderful feeling, for example, to pull an old diary from the shelf after years and reminisce. One is less likely to read WhatsApp messages from ten years ago.

Hand lettering notebooks & business calendars from SIGEL

Would you like to get creative in your free time with doodling, hand lettering or sketchnoting, or do you want to keep your handwritten notes in a calendar for business purposes? The SIGEL range includes a wide variety of products that allow you to integrate handwriting into your everyday life.