Puzzle Mold

Project Description

Puzzle Mold is a design research project that explores the power of tangible, analog interactions in sustaining social bonds across distances, particularly under isolation conditions like those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a time when digital communication has become the default, this project seeks to provide a physical alternative to foster connection and engagement through a game that combines elements of puzzles and LEGO-inspired assembly. Designed with a recycled-material construction, this project emphasizes both environmental sustainability and the nostalgic value of tactile play.

Research Objective

The game consists of pieces made from a unique blend of recycled materials: water, boiled rice, and blue egg carton cardboard, giving the pieces a distinct color and playful texture. By repurposing common materials that are typically overlooked or discarded, the project also examines the aesthetics of sustainability, pushing against the notion that recycled items must look utilitarian or “like trash.” This choice of materials provides a tactile, eco-friendly experience and reinforces the game’s focus on creativity and sustainability.

Conceptual Framework

The concept of analog interaction in a digital age is central to this project. The game encourages face-to-face interaction among those who can be physically present with one another, while also offering a “presence” for the designer’s friends in Romania through a shared experience. By foregoing video calls or online interactions, the project highlights the sensory satisfaction and psychological benefits of physical, co-located play. The environmental context plays a role in shaping experience, here applying the idea to interactions limited within domestic spaces during a time of restricted movement.

Material Selection

Recycled Egg Carton Cardboard: The use of egg carton cardboard is a deliberate choice for its dense fiber structure, which allows for easy molding and shaping into complex forms. Despite being traditionally difficult to recycle due to the short fiber length, this material, when combined with the rice-based binding agent, takes on a new life as a flexible, sturdy component of the game. The blue-gray tint of the egg cartons gives the pieces a neutral, calming aesthetic that communicates the eco-conscious nature of the project.

Rice-Based Binding Agent: Boiled rice is used as a natural adhesive, capitalizing on its stickiness and binding properties without the need for synthetic glue. The rice acts as a stabilizing agent that holds the cardboard fibers together, making the pieces firm yet biodegradable. This choice also reflects an interest in using non-toxic, biodegradable resources that minimize environmental impact. Additionally, the rice-based binder provides a subtle texture that enhances the tactile experience of handling each piece, connecting users to the organic nature of the material (2019).

Fabrication Machinery and Techniques

3D Printing for Molds and Prototyping: Initial prototypes and molds were created using a 3D printer to precisely model complex shapes that would otherwise be challenging to achieve with cardboard alone. 3D printing allows for rapid iteration and experimentation with different forms and sizes, ensuring that each piece is comfortable to hold, aesthetically pleasing, and versatile for multiple configurations. Once the molds are 3D printed, the egg carton and rice mixture is pressed into them, ensuring uniformity in each piece while preserving the texture and color of the recycled material.

3D Wood Carving for Complex Forms and Frames: For certain elements that require more structural integrity or finer detail, a 3D wood carving machine was employed. This machine allowed for precision in crafting frames and supporting elements that may accompany the game pieces. The wood elements serve as a visual and textural contrast to the cardboard, adding an element of warmth and sophistication. By using sustainably sourced wood, the project maintains its eco-friendly ethos while incorporating robust and intricate wooden parts that add to the overall playability and longevity of the game.