A chance to review a new creation
I have created a new “Origami” puzzle. It is one of my most ambitious yet elegantly simple creations ever. It is literally and figuratively flexible. It allows the user to change the level of difficulty of the puzzle. It has billions of potential outcomes - some of which can be found by the most basic puzzle novice and some of which may challenge great minds. Here is a link to the puzzle on Youtube https://youtu.be/DWUv0uMEDOM I am looking for at least two groups to eva luate and review this puzzle. I will send each groups several version of the puzzle free and will cover the costs of shipping the puzzles to the group. I thought this might be ideal for an active origami club. The first group could be mostly “puzzle novices” with little or no experience in working with puzzles. The task would be to answer the following questions. “Is this puzzle fun, interesting and/or engaging?”. “ Does it encourage a few individuals to become more creative?” Can you find a variety of solutions in a Reasonable amount of time? You will be given a simple problem to solve that introduces the puzzle, then you are free to use the puzzle as desired. I only ask that you try something different on three different trials. I would guess that a trial would last about 30 to 60 minutes. However, warning - you might get intrigued and spend a lot more time. You will be sent instructions for making your own puzzle using several different methods. This will include a puzzle consisting of folding 27 squares of any kind of paper you wish to use. This version is fairly straight forward unit origami. You will also receive instructions on how to make a more permanent model from wooden blocks that can be purchased at Craft stores for less than $15. Creating you own puzzle is optional but you may find the process intriguing - no glue - just folding. The folding activity is optional but may be something you want to try. The second group needs to have some math skills. Knowledge of game theory, statistics, and/or set theory would help. You will also be asked to evaluate the “Fun” factor for this puzzle as outlined above. However, your main task will be to evaluate the mathematical and design elements of the puzzle. Perhaps you could help me define the number of potential ways to find solutions for a given set of rules when using this puzzle. For example, the traditional Soma cube has 240 solutions. This puzzle allows you to swing pieces into different shapes. Using only the 4 piece puzzles parts and unique shapes of the soma puzzle, there may be 720 (and perhaps more) ways to create a set of unique soma pieces. Does this mean that the actual number of soma like solutions is 720 X 240? Now there may be as many as 27 total ways to form different shapes (in this puzzle) that can be used in the completion of a cube. How can we come up with a way to define the actual possible outcomes that result in unique cube structures? Also remember that unlike Soma solutions where only shape matters, this puzzle may be dependent on arrangement of faces within the same shape. I think I see a possibility for a dissertation. Any takers? If you think your group may be interested - send me a private message.
