Brief: Design a themed chess set. Each piece's characterization should relate to its role in the game. (Prof. Taylor Olsen)
Location: The Ohio State University
Constraints: Chess pieces should consist of 2D slotted profiles that create a 3D form.
Collaboration: Danny Kraft and Alex Covington, OSU Design Foundations Program. We each created our own half of a chess set that would come together under one theme.
My slot-based Hades-themed chess set in its final form.
Research and Iteration:
As a group, we chose to theme our chess set after the big three gods of Greek mythology: Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades.
I had Hades, the Greek God of the Underworld. I assigned pieces as follows:
- Hades = King (ruler)
- Helm of Darkness = Queen (Hades' most powerful weapon)
- Persephone = Bishop (important and powerful)
- Fury = Knight (enforcer)
- Cerberus = Rook (guard)
- Underworld Spirits = Pawns (disposable)
Based on research and form constraints, I developed various silhouette styles.
Development:
2D silhouettes needed both front and side profiles. I placed each piece atop a fiery base to further unify the set to its Underworld theme.
First Draft:
I used a Cricut Machine to cut my first drafts out of Bristol.
Revisions:
I was dissatisfied with the King and Queen designs and went back to the drawing board. They now read clearer and have a stronger silhouette.
Final Individual Pieces:
Final Set:
Lessons Learned:
This was my final project in OSU's Design Foundations Program before being accepted into the Industrial Design program, and I was very proud of what I hoped my peers and professors would remember me by. I've always loved mythology, and getting to incorporate it into my final project was so much fun!
This was one of the first times I got to use a Cricut Machine for a design project, and I adored all the possibilities it offered. I've since bought one for myself and use it for prototyping in most of my projects.
"My favorite part of the game. Sudden death."
- Hades, "Hercules"
