Project Length: five weeks
The Crystals
For many years crystals have been used to promote positive and healing energy physically, mentally, and emotionally. They are seen as one of many ancient forms of medicine.
This set is heavily inspired by this idea of crystals providing protection as well as the symbolism within the power of colors.
The thought behind these colors and crystals:
purple amethyst - peace, royalty, the divine
green aventurine - luck, strength
snowflake obsidian - protection, balance
Ideation
Low-Fidelity Models
High-Fidelity Models
At this point, the design of each piece was too rough and unstable - more experimenting!
Acrylic Experimentation
This stage is where experimentation with the materials happened. The goal was to create a more enclosed space for the crystals so they would be highlighted.
Using the heat from the strip bender pictured here, the acrylic material was bent, stretched, and warped in many different ways. This was a quick and efficient way to create the shapes that would best fit with the crystals.
These three were the inspiration for the rest of the design (1)
These three were the inspiration for the rest of the design (2)
These three were the inspiration for the rest of the design (3)
More High-Fidelity Models
The left was the next idea, but it was still hard to differentiate the pieces. In order to solve this problem ridges were added to the top. This began to clarify what each piece was.
The Final Design
The Final Renders
For the final chess pieces, the idea was to have the opposing side be made out of a translucent red acrylic. This color was chosen because Red is often associated with anger, but it also represents revenge, strength, and action.
The chess board is made of clear and red acrylic tiles with a clear acrylic boarder to reflect the colors of the chess pieces. The clear and red colors also emulate the classic black and white chess board.
