Montblanc
Digital Paper
Preserving the ritual.
Montblanc, renowned for its timeless writing instruments, partnered with AKQA to create its first luxury e-writing device, blending heritage craftsmanship with advanced technology.
Over the course of two years, AKQA collaborated with Montblanc on every stage of development, including shaping the initial vision and market positioning, designing the user experience, building the digital identity and design system, refining haptics, and supporting industrial design alongside Montblanc’s writing experts in Hamburg.
Montblanc Digital Paper redefines the art of writing in the digital age, preserving the emotion and nuance of handwriting while introducing a seamless new way to create, capture, and connect.
Insight
Where tradition shapes tomorrow.
For nearly 120 years, Montblanc has been obsessed with the art of writing: the curve of a nib, the flow of ink, and the feel of paper. As the world embraced faster, more fleeting digital communication, Montblanc saw an opportunity: to reimagine writing for the modern era, making it more deliberate, more human, and more enduring than ever.
Idea
For the love of writing.
Digital Paper was designed not just as a device, but as an entirely new writing experience. Every element was crafted to elevate the ritual while removing friction: glass calibrated to capture the drag of pen on paper, rubberised nibs moulded to give weight to every stroke, and haptics tuned to echo the flow of ink.
The interface embraces e-ink’s slower frame rate with animation that mimics the rhythm of pen strokes, while handcrafted iconography and a visual identity rooted in Montblanc’s heritage unify the experience across hardware, software and companion apps.
Together these elements form a cohesive digital ecosystem. A luxury device that captures the soul of handwriting and carries it into the future.
Impact
An instrumental partnership.
Digital Paper represents a new category for Montblanc, a writing experience that bridges the physical and digital worlds. This collaboration exemplifies the transformative power of creativity and craft in shaping meaningful and enduring brand experiences.
Digital Paper represents a fusion of heritage and innovation. From day one, AKQA delivered craft and value beyond the initial brief. Their expertise in design, market opportunity, and product development made them true partners throughout the journey. Together, we’ve created a device that embodies Montblanc’s dedication to timeless quality, while introducing an entirely new experience for our customers.
