Study Tiles – A Modular Homework & Assignment Tracker

Summary

Study Tiles is a reusable and easy-to-print assignment tracker designed to make schoolwork visible, organized, and easy to manage in both the classroom & at home.

The idea behind Study Tiles is simple: turn an invisible list of tasks into an interactive workflow that always remains in view.  Instead of disappearing into a notebook or app, each assignment gets its own movable physical tile with a switchable status indicator.

How to use Study Tiles

1. Write the task on a REUSABLE WHITE ASSIGNMENT LABEL using a dry-erase pen;

2. Slide the label into a TILE BODY color that matches the task's priority; i.e., white - normal, yellow - medium, red - high priority;

3. Insert the appropriate SUBJECT TAB at the top of the tile body;

4. Hang the tile under the DAY the assignment is due on the mounting board, or

5. Use LATER for work that does not yet have an immediate deadline in that week;

6. Drop any new or unscheduled assignments into the NEW / UNASSIGNED tray;

7. Slide the status control from TO DO to DONE when the task is completed;

8. Remove the tile, wipe the label clean, and reuse.

The Study Tiles mounting board is also organized into weekly due-date columns: i.e.,

MON • TUE • WED • THU • FRI • LATER

Each column can accommodate up to three tile positions, and a NEW/UNASSIGNED tray runs along the bottom for work not yet scheduled. The board holds up to 18 mounted Study Tiles, plus 6 additional loose tiles in the bottom tray.

Study Tiles keep unfinished work physically visible & in front of you & others until the task is done.

Even when the board gets busy, anyone can quickly scan for specific assignments, identify the subjects, assess the urgency, and see whether they have been completed. Unlike other planners, tasks can also be easily moved from one day to the next & unfinished work remains physically visible to students, parents, teachers, or anyone else interested in tracking the progress.

HINT:  Study Tiles can also be a very useful tool for younger students by helping them visualize tasks in a fun & interactive way.

Other possible uses

Although Study Tiles were designed with schoolwork & homework in mind, they can also be easily used for:

• highlighting project activities;

• listing household tasks;

• a reminder aid;

• a simple personal visual task manager;

• carrying the tiles with you in your backpack, carry bag, or purse;

• etc.

The included blank subject tab also makes it easy to adapt the system to other subjects, activities, or routines.

Study Tile Components

Each Study Tile is a compact modular unit measuring approximately 60 x 44 x 11 mm.

Every tile consists of:

1. Tile Body;

2. interchangeable Subject Tabs;

3. reusable 54 × 17.25 mm assignment labels;

4. two-position TO DO / DONE status indicator with Button;

5. Rear Switch Cover;

6. recessed French cleat for attaching to the board.

The removable assignment labels provide a smooth, reusable writing surface. The subject tab slides into the top of the tile body and can be easily swapped out without reprinting the entire tile.

The tile-side cleat is recessed directly into the rear of the tile & the matching cleat projects from the board. Each tile can be removed independently, without affecting the tiles above or below it.

To remove a tile, simply lift → pull forward → reposition.

Three-Piece Mounting Board

The complete board is divided into three sections to allow printing on a standard bed size.

• Section A — MON / TUE

• Section B — WED / THU

• Section C — FRI / LATER

The assembled board with all 3 sections measures 403 x 213 x 19 mm. Instead of using a large solid backplate, the board uses an open structural frame which significantly reduces filament use & print time, while still keeping the board rigid. The three sections connect with dovetail joints.  A bit of glue on the tabs will help prevent the sections from coming apart.

The continuous new/unassigned tile tray at the bottom of each mounting board section acts as an inbox for new work, or work that doesn't have an assigned day. Drop a loose tile into the tray, then move it to the appropriate day when it is scheduled.

Subject Tabs

The package includes individual subject tabs for: accounting, astronomy, biology, chemistry, English, French, geography, history, math, music, philosophy, physics, poli-sci, psychology, science, Spanish & technology.

A blank tab is also included for creating custom tabs that are not already in the standard set.

Color Scheme

Here is a color scheme that works well:

• Board:  off-white or cream, with text in black;

• Study Tile Body:  (text in black)

  • Normal priority: white or off-white

  • Medium priority: pale yellow

  • High priority: pale red

• Subject Tabs:  Ideally, each subject should get its own color. Text can be in white or black, or multi-color if you prefer;

• Assignment Label:  white;

• Status Button: red or white, depending on body color & contrast you want.

Keeping the mounting board neutral helps to keep the subject tabs and assignment cards easier to read. 

HINT:  If you prefer printing every Study Tile body in the same color, another option is to use different pen colors on the assignment labels to indicate priority levels.

Wall-mount or Desktop

Study Tiles can be installed in one of two ways:

• Wall-mounted: Mount the assembled board near a desk, study area, or homework station using the integrated mounting holes (ref. arrows below);

• Desktop: Use the included removable feet to stand the complete board on a desk.  They snap into place anywhere along the bottom tray. I recommend using at least 3.

Print Settings

For the easiest printing workflow, use the supplied Print Plates (3MF).  Individual STL files are also provided for users who want to customize colors or print individual components.

PLA is recommended for all parts. Use different colors to highlight the text, subject tabs & priority tiles. No additional hardware or tools are required for the assembly.  Print-ready 3MF files are provided with suggested orientations/settings.

Print settings: 15% infill, 0.2 mm layer height. Most parts print without supports. Supports are recommended for the Tile Body and Subject Tabs to preserve their functional geometry. All parts have been physically printed, assembled, and fit-tested, with their orientation optimized to minimize the need for supports. Print the assignment labels on a flat surface so they are easier to wipe clean after marking.

Assembling Study Tiles

The assembly is very simple & requires no additional hardware.  The status switch & switch cover are installed from the back of the tile.  Pay particular attention to the orientation of both parts when mounting so that it matches the image shown below: 

Thank you for checking out Study Tiles!