Amulets
A bright and open, yet rustic and timeless chess set that holds true to the game's identity while providing a fresh take for lovers of this classic game.
Project intent
This project's goal was for students to learn to design within a family of form. By using something as universal as the chess set, students learned to work with different materials, shapes and curves to create a set where each piece both functioned on its own and fit into a broader design language.
Timeline
6 weeks. 04.2025-05.2025
Skills used
Wood working
Ergonomic research
Concept Ideation
Design Objectives
Negative space influences positive
Maintaining piece recognition
Material tactility
Concept Development
The focal point of this project was to develop a family of form by designing each individual piece with the same language and characteristics while keeping each piece unique.
Prototyping
Working with wood early in the process influenced the family of form and informed design choices based upon material constraints and production processes.
Iteration 1
Iteration 2
Materials
African Bubinga
- Strong exotic hardwood
-Commonly used for dark chess pieces
-Red tint with dark brown grain
American Maple
- Most common light wood for chess pieces
-Strong hardwood native to Ohio
-Glossy when finished
