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

Timeline

5 weeks, February 2024-March 2024

Skills used

-Analog sketching

-Woodworking

-Fusion 360

-Keyshot

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.

Target Demographic

This set is aimed at a competitive and frequent chess player who is looking for a fresh take on a traditional set, while not losing each piece's recognizable characteristics required to be able to make quick and important decisions in-game. This person values handmade craftsmanship and the in-hand feel of wooden pieces.

Design Objectives

Material tactility

Maintaining piece recognition

Negative space influences positive space

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 it uniquely its own piece.

Concept Development

Working with wood early in the process influenced the family of form and informed design choices based upon material constraints and production processes.