When it comes to computing interfaces mimicking existing work practices, a new study shows that solutions such as a digital pen interface have quite a few different positive effects. Anoto is one of those companies that has largely focused on putting together some of the world’s best digital writing technology. That company recently put together an actual book called “The Design of Future Educational Interfaces” that summarizes several different studies that all looked at how different types of computer input tools affected their users.

Among the studies that Anoto is highlighting were several that showed how digital pen interfaces allow people to write more spatial content compared with a non-digital pen or a keyboard. What this data means is that digital pen interfaces can lead to a large improvement (anywhere from 9 to 38 percent) in a student’s ability to be more creative and solve problems. The studies that Anoto is pointing to cover a wide array of ages among students, which is one of the reasons why the percentages are so vast.

What this does seem to prove is that when a user can be creative with the way they actually input data, those same users are able to develop their problem solving skills and are able to absorb the information they are dealing with better. Sharon Oviatt wrote the book that Anoto is touting, and in a recent release she stated that, "Digital pens are able to support a flow of communication involving all types of representation, including diagrams, symbols, numbers and words - and shifting fluidly among them while we think. With digital pen and paper, the Leonardo da Vinci in all of us is able to construct spatial content, which is the foundation of human cognition and a prerequisite for creative work."

Anoto’s Live pen has long been geared to be able to interface with computers as if the user were using the pen to write on paper. The infrared camera that is placed inside the device allows users to capture, store and securely send digital handwriting.