Walnut Wood Chess Set
Spring 2024
Vision
Redefining the intersection of art & function while fostering face to face connections.
Goal
Design a chess set that acts as a striking centerpiece that brings people together.
Interactive art piece that elevates everyday spaces and fosters meaningful connection among family and friends.
Objective
Target Demographics:
Ray: Chess Player and Set Collector
Michael and Sonia: Design Savvy Couple
Kate: Art Enthusiast
Consumers ages 35–60 who value in high‑quality, innovative products that elevate their home and encourage meaningful connection.
Exploration of Visual Harmony Via Shape
Identified family of shapes
Main forms traced
Similarities found between each family shape
Concept Development
Idea Board
Proceded with top picks from peer feedback to narrow down ideas.
Focusing and Refining Concepts
Ideas further refined showing best family of form sets
Focused on Visual Appeal & Natural Curvature
Narrowed Down
to Two Sets
Prototyping: Low Fidelity
Started with low fidelity clay models
Low fidelity foam models
Used Dremel for low fidelity pine wood models
Prototyping: High Fidelity
Reverted to lathe due to hugh level of contours
1st Set High Fidelity
2nd Set High Fidelity: Based on needed changes
Revised Models
Human Factors
Evaluated ergonomic factors for usability
Final Sketch
Based on adjustments a final sketch was made to depict
Size
Shape
Texture
Finishing Pieces
Measured components for feasibility
Sanded pieces on lathe w/ steel wood and sandpaper for smoothness
Applied finish coats
Chose rhinestone overlay as final material
Rendered Set
Materiality and Details
Opposing side: Maple wood
Overlayed with a slightly lighter shade of black rhinestones
Chess Board:
8 x 8 square configuration with 14.4 sq. in board
Boarder complements the contours of chess pieces
Made of a two tone walnut wood
Black Chess Squares: Reflective black glass- complementing the rhinestones
Orthographics
King
Knight
Queen
Rook
Bishop
Pawn
