The Chess Set That Plays By Touch, Ships Flat, Wastes Nothing - Yanko Design

"There's something deeply satisfying about watching a designer solve multiple problems at once. William Young's Jigsaw Chess Set is one of those rare designs that makes you wonder why nobody thought of it sooner. It's a chess set, yes, but it's also a sculptural object, an accessibility tool, and a logistics solution all rolled into one beautifully executed package. At first glance, the set looks like something you'd find in a modern art museum."

"The pieces are geometric, almost brutalist in their simplicity, fabricated from contrasting steel and aluminum. One side gets the cool, dark patina of steel, while the opposing army gleams in lighter aluminum. They're angular, tessellated forms that look more like miniature architectural models than traditional chess pieces. But this isn't just aesthetic posturing. Every design choice serves a purpose. The most compelling aspect of the Jigsaw Chess Set is how it approaches accessibility."

The Jigsaw Chess Set combines sculptural form, material contrast, and tactile function into a single object. Geometric, tessellated pieces are fabricated from steel and aluminum, producing angular, architectural forms with contrasting finishes. Tactile identity is central: each piece has a distinctive weight and texture that enables recognition by touch, allowing play without reliance on sight. Accessibility is integrated into the aesthetic so the set serves visually impaired players without special modifications or labeling. Design decisions prioritize utility and inclusion while maintaining a refined, museum-quality presence and considered fabrication using durable metals.

Read at Yanko Design - Modern Industrial Design News