A writing instrument configured to provide tactile feedback to a user, comprising an elongate body portion enabling a user to grip the writing instrument, wherein the body portion comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end comprising a source of infra-red radiation to illuminate, in use, an active region of a writing surface; and a controller configured to generate a control signal for controlling the source of infra-red radiation. The source of infra-red radiation, driven by the control signal, emits infra-red radiation having a spectral maximum in wavelength range capable of activating thermal bimorph polymer material, and wherein, in use, the proximal end of the writing instrument, when in contact with the active region of the writing surface transfers a tactile impulse generated by the active region of the writing surface to the user via the elongate body portion.