Chess Redesign

Project Statement

My partner and I collaboratively worked to redesign the traditional chess pieces to fit the narrative of cowboys vs. aliens. To harmonize our designs, we worked together to pair the original roles of the pieces with the theme of our narrative. I used the silhouettes of my figures to create 3D forms using slip joints. The clear board with the details was a perfect representation of the moon which is where the “battle” takes place. Both sides are fighting one another to take back their home planet. We focused on shape and color as our main design elements which is why all of my pieces are made out of orange card-stock and hers are made out of green.

Process

View detailed project process at Checkmate: Process

Reflection

This project taught me alot about the game of chess but also showed me that some things are designed intentionally. I discovered why the chess pieces are designed the way they are which helped me pair the theme of my narrative with the roles of the pieces. For example, the bishop has a slit in the top which is one reason why I paired it with the cowboy hat. However, after the research stage everything about my project had to change. While still maintaining the same idea, I had to sacrifice my craft and go with my plan B late in the design process. My initial plan was to use balsa wood which fit the western theme and also made the pieces sturdy. But due to the availability, the laser cutter was not an option. I had a hard time taking the silhouettes and combining them to look like the 3D forms. I overcame the obstacle and still completed the pieces to the best of my abilities.