CompreHand
A hands-on learning resource that motivates pupils to learn together, exchange ideas and bring what they have learnt to life
Study project by Celina Thies as part of the semester theme ‘Embodiment’
4th semester, 2025
Supervised by Sarah Antes, Romina Marsico, Max Studanski and Prof. Tsune Tanaka
What’s it all about?
CompreHand is a physical learning tool that supports pupils aged 12 and over in collaborative learning – without an app, screen or digital content. It is operated by two people at the same time and uses simple gestures, light signals and short sounds to provide structured prompts during the learning process. The learners choose a mode together (e.g. drawing, building, pantomime) and then reflect on what worked and what didn’t.
The aim is to impart knowledge, as well as to promote dialogue, responsibility and coordination amongst the learners. Technology is deliberately kept in the background. The focus is on collaborative action and shared attention – made visible through simple but targeted feedback.
Background & Problem Statement
Although many pupils learn in groups in a formal sense, the body is usually left out of the process. Roles are often unclear, opportunities for reflection are lacking, and learning takes place predominantly at a cognitive level. Whilst digital tools help to structure processes, they rarely incorporate physical activity or social interaction. Particularly during self-organised learning phases, there is a lack of support that actively involves the body and enables students to find their bearings through collaborative action – without teachers having to intervene constantly.
This is exactly where CompreHand comes in: it brings structure to interactions, makes roles visible and creates opportunities for conversation. It is not about technical sophistication, but about social impact. The decision to do without screens and digital interfaces works to the benefit of the educational concept.
Concept & Interaction
CompreHand consists of a central light pyramid and six touch-sensitive cards, each of which performs specific functions. Two cards activate the system only when touched simultaneously – a deliberate moment of initiation. Three further cards are used to select a learning mode, whilst one card triggers feedback.
The object responds with coloured light and short beeps – quiet, clear and non-judgemental. Learners are encouraged to reflect on their roles, coordinate with one another and make decisions together. The interaction is always shared – there is no ‘mine’ or ‘yours’, only ‘ours’.
Research & Inspiration
The project is based on the concept of embodied cognition: learning takes place not only in the mind, but through the interplay of the body, space, movement and social interaction. Philosophical and design-theoretical approaches – from Merleau-Ponty to Ishii and Dourish – form the theoretical framework.
Studies show that movement and physical activity promote memory, understanding and motivation.
In peer learning in particular, a well-designed physical object can spark conversations, stimulate thought processes and encourage reflection – without the need for language or judgement.
These insights were systematically incorporated into the design concept.
Technology & Implementation
The MVP/prototype is based on an Arduino Uno R4 with six capacitive touch sensors, a WS2812 LED strip and a piezo buzzer. The hardware has been deliberately kept simple – no app, no cloud, no data storage.
The system detects simultaneous interactions, responds to mode selection with different light colours and emits audible signals in response to queries. The system was built entirely on-premises to ensure independence, mobility and ease of maintenance.
Conclusion & Outlook
CompreHand is neither an educational toy nor a digital solution, but a physical learning companion. It provides structure, opportunities for reflection and social engagement – without controlling or evaluating. The latest prototype demonstrates that even simple physical prompts are sufficient to make collaborative learning more conscious and effective.
At the same time, there is still scope for creativity: greater integration of touch, sound or movement could further enhance the embodied dimension. As a source of inspiration rather than a solution, CompreHand embodies a concept of learning that takes the whole person seriously – as someone who thinks, feels and acts all at once.