BYOK – YOUR ULTIMATE WRITING COMPANION
Smart Digital Writing Assistant
CATEGORY
- IOT
- Consumer Electronics
Nick Scho.
BYOK LLC
SERVICES
- FEASIBILITY + PRODUCT DESIGN
- FULL-CYCLE PRODUCT DESIGN
- HARDWARE + PCB DESIGN
- MECHANICAL DESIGN
- FIRMWARE DEVELOPMENT
- EVT, DVT, PVT
PROJECT TIMELINE
THE CHALLENGE
BYOK LLC approached Axio Electronics with a vision to create a distraction-free writing device that combines nostalgic charm with modern functionality. The challenge was to design a compact, portable device that allows writers to use their preferred keyboard while maintaining low power consumption, seamless connectivity, and ergonomic comfort.
- Connectivity: High-performance, lag-free interface with Bluetooth and USB support.
- Power Efficiency: Low power consumption with long-lasting battery life.
- Ergonomics: Adjustable viewing angles and comfortable, portable form factor.
- User Experience: Minimalist, distraction-free interface without compromising functionality.
THE KEY HURDLES INCLUDED:
- •Developing a high-performance, lag-free interface with Bluetooth and USB support.
- •Ensuring low power consumption with a long-lasting battery life.
- •Designing an ergonomic structure that supports adjustable viewing angles.
- •Creating a minimalist, distraction-free interface without compromising functionality.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Axio Electronics recognized an opportunity to create a first-of-its-kind writing device — a personal writing assistant that enhances focus and productivity while maintaining the writer's creative flow. The BYOK would give writers the freedom to use their favorite input device and sync their work effortlessly over WiFi, creating a truly modern writing experience.
- Enhances focus and productivity for writers by minimizing distractions.
- Allows seamless use of any preferred keyboard for a personalized writing experience.
- Effortlessly syncs work over WiFi for modern, cloud-based writing workflows.
- Maintains creative flow with a device designed for comfort and portability.
FEATURE SETS
- •Bluetooth + USB Keyboard Compatibility – Writers can connect any Bluetooth, wireless, or USB keyboard.
- •Monochrome LCD Display – Reduces eye strain and enhances readability.
- •WiFi Syncing – Ensures work is backed up automatically.
- •Customizable Backlight – Adjustable to three brightness levels for different lighting conditions.
- •20-Hour Battery Life – Long-lasting performance on a single charge.
- •Magnetic Stand – Allows multiple viewing positions for enhanced comfort.
- •Minimalist Interface – Simple, distraction-free writing environment.
GALLERY
THE SOLUTION
Axio Electronics approached the challenge with a full-cycle product design strategy — from feasibility analysis and electrical design to firmware development and production readiness.
BLE
Support Any Keyboard
USB
Act as Wired Keyboard + Writing Data Transfer
WIFI
Sync to Google Drive / Dropbox
MONOCHROME LCD
High-Contrast, Lag-Free Display
20-HOUR BATTERY
4700mAh Long-Lasting Performance
ADJUSTABLE BACKLIGHT
Write in Any Lighting
MAGNETIC STAND
Ergonomic Viewing Angles
FLEXIBLE STORAGE
Save Over 1 Million Words
INTUITIVE CONTROL
Three Push-Buttons
SECURITY
AES-128 Encryption
CERTIFICATION
FCC & CE Compliance
BODY
ABS Plastic
OUR APPROACH
Mechanical Engineering Strategy
Designed a lightweight, ergonomic casing using premium ABS plastic for a durable, high-quality feel.
Developed an ultra-thin casing to match the size of an iPhone while ensuring structural strength and stability.
Integrated a magnetic bar at the back to attach with the stand and support multiple viewing angles.
Optimized button placement — included three push-buttons on the backside for intuitive control while maintaining a sleek profile.
Ensured IP66-rated water resistance, protecting the device from dust and high-pressure water exposure.
Mechanical Engineering Process
CAD modeling and ergonomic optimization for distraction-free writing posture
Slim enclosure design matching iPhone dimensions for true portability
Custom ABS plastic housing for a lightweight yet durable feel
Magnetic rear bar integrated for multi-angle stand attachment
Three rear push-buttons positioned for blind, intuitive control
IP66-rated sealing for protection against dust and water exposure
PCB & Hardware Design
Developed a custom PCB using the ESP32S3 microcontroller for low-power operation and high processing speed.
Integrated BLE and USB-C interfaces for versatile keyboard compatibility and data transfer.
Designed a high-contrast, lag-free monochrome LCD display for enhanced readability.
Included smart USB detection — automatically recognizes whether the device is connected to a host (like a laptop) or a peripheral (like a keyboard).
Added wireless charging with a magnetic snap for easy charging and improved portability.
Ensured EMI compliance and product safety.
Firmware Design
Closed-Loop Algorithm: Auto-tunes pulse width/amplitude based on EMG RMS
Impedance Mapping: 3D electrode-placement map, alerts on poor contacts
Touch UI Wizard: Guided setup replicating clinical protocols
Data Logging: Encrypted, timestamped events, waveforms, impedance spectra
EHR Integration: HL7 FHIR support
Secure OTA: Verified bootloader & signed firmware
In-House Prototyping
Form & Fit: SLA + CNC prototypes tested by surgeons & patients
Bench Testing: Waveform accuracy, impedance mapping, thermal profiling
EVT: IEC 60601-1 electrical safety, stimulation & EMG specs
DVT: Six-week IRB-overseen home trial—refined UI & strap design
PVT: Pilot run of 50 units to confirm manufacturing consistency
CHALLENGES
- EMI Compliance Issues: Initial failures in EMI shielding— Resolved through improved PCB layout and better signal isolation.
- Firmware Power Drain: Early firmware versions caused excessive power consumption— Resolved with BLE protocol optimization and dynamic power management.
- Magnetic Stand Alignment: Misalignment issues during early testing— Corrected after feedback from Design Validation Testing (DVT).
- BLE Compatibility Issues: Legacy Bluetooth profiles initially caused connection failures— Resolved with a new Bluetooth chip and firmware update.
PILOT & PRODUCTION
PILOT & PRODUCTION
After a successful Kickstarter campaign — exceeding 400%+ funding goals within 21 days — Axio Electronics transitioned the BYOK design into mass production with strategic revisions:
Cost Optimization: BOM (Bill of Materials) optimization reduced production costs while maintaining product quality.
Ergonomic Improvements: Improved button placement for better ergonomics and faster response.
Connectivity Enhancement: Enhanced BLE performance to improve connection stability and reduce latency.
Manufacturing Scale-up: Finalized the design and partnered with a trusted manufacturer to scale production efficiently.
Quality Assurance: Assisted in designing and developing a custom test jig to automate and streamline factory-level testing — ensuring consistent quality and performance across all production units.
How It Works
Connect Your Keyboard
Write Without Distraction
Sync with Ease
Portable Convenience
Write in Any Lighting
WHAT CAN
WE CREATE
TOGETHER
DOWNLOAD THE CASE STUDY
Client Testimonial
Nick Scho.
BYOK LLC
Axio delivered a comprehensive scan of the global market for potential suppliers of various components. The team was highly responsive to the client's evolving needs during the project and always willing to accommodate changes.
Axio Electronics