Chess

Memes

When going into brainstorming we were thinking on

Meme Chess is a modernized chess set that displays different memes through ceramic chess pieces. The project is meant to embody the chaos of the current generation and the internet as a whole.

Project Statement

This project combines the present day meme culture with the timeless game of chess. The design philosophy of this project is to embody the chaos and the current generation's mentality of turning everything into a meme and to make the role or significance of the chess pieces match the current day and age. (Almost) all of the pieces have been replaced with (mostly) popular memes that match the “personality” or vibe of each individual piece. The king has been changed to “Gigachad” because it is used to represent the absolute pinnacle of something. The pawn is the face from the “panik” meme due to its simple, poorly modeled look. And the knight is “surprise pikachu” because of the erratic movement of the knight often leading to unforeseen results. These changes have been made so that the pieces feel the same, but have a new, more “modern” look.

[project name] is a modernized chess set showing different “impactful” memes on our current generation and the internet. The unique chess pieces with a modified rule set creates a fun and chaotic play-through of a classic game.

The different chess pieces are made up of different references to current memes. The different memes that were chosen and that are referenced through the pieces are chosen to match the “personality” and movements of the original chess pieces. When creating this modern chess set, the hopes are to bring the current generation together and create a new, fun strategy game. This set is created with slip-casting and solid casting ceramics for each chess piece with a laser-cut game board.

Who:

This chess set is meant for the current Generation/Gen Z.

When/Where:

Like all chess sets it can be both a decorative piece and functional game.

Why/Impact:

To build a connection with a classic game, Gen Z, and each other.

Emotional Response:

The goal is to create a fun experience when competing against others.

Design Language:

We want to make the pieces fit together through the use of varying height and similar base designs.

Pawn

The "Panik - Kalm" meme because of its simple, pawn like, design.

Knight

The "Surprise Pikachu" meme because the knight can make unexpected and surprising moves.

Rook

The "Strong Bongo-cat" meme because the rook is viewed as a strong or powerful piece.

King

The "Gigachad" meme because it is used to describe the absolute pinnacle of something.

Slip Casting Process

Digital Model in Rhino

3D Printed Positive

Plaster Mold

Ceramic Cast

Mold Diagrams

Upper Mold Half

Registration Keys

Lower Mold Half

Pour gate

Pour Gates

Upper Mold Half

Lower Mold Half

Registration Keys

Thank You!

Use Diagram