Access & Belonging
Clear rules, tactile interaction, and varied roles made the puzzle approachable to more people.
Case study / P101
Towers of Hanoi
An ancient puzzle rebuilt as a human-centered product experience.
- Year
- 2023–24
- Mode
- Project-based studio
- Disciplines
- Product design / 3D fabrication / Branding / Packaging / Exhibition
The project
Teams reinterpreted the Towers of Hanoi puzzle through research, concept development, prototyping, fabrication, graphics, packaging, and play. The finished objects were tested in public rather than ending as isolated class exercises.
378project files indexed
70fabrication-ready STL files
01public playtest exhibition
Essential question
“How might a familiar puzzle become an inviting, meaningful experience for a new audience?”
Project architecture
- 01Audience and concept framing
- 02Iterative physical and digital prototypes
- 03Branded product, instructions, and packaging
- 04Public playtesting and reflection
Learning made visible
Personalization
Each team gave one common system a distinct audience, form, and visual voice.
Authentic Work
Visitors played the products, making usability and finish visible—not hypothetical.
Collaborative Design
Research, fabrication, graphics, and testing depended on coordinated team decisions.
Exhibition
Visitors became playtesters, turning a display of finished products into an active feedback loop.