Traditional Colombian Ring Toss Game

Personal Project   /   Project developed with Mauricio Issa

Latin America is a treasure trove of traditional games that embody a vast and culturally rich heritage, yet many of these games have received little to no design intervention. Some argue that it is challenging to industrialize or propose artisanal ideas for these games. However, this project sought to defy that notion by exploring a fresh design approach for the renowned Ring Toss game in Colombia.

Commonly played in rural areas as a way for entertainment, there are no rules other than toss the rings and get the maximum points possible. The current setup needed to play is huge and aesthetically doesn’t derive from any culture. As designers, we saw in this a big opportunity for improvement/redesign and a better user driven re-interpretation of this traditional game.

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The design was based on the legend behind the traditional game which says…: "A legend tells that toads were worshiped for their magical powers. During holidays natives gathered to throw gold artifacts into the lakes, with the hope that a toad would jump and eat it and turned into gold. Legend says that when this happened, the thrower was conceived a wish"

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La Rana (Sapo) is a precision and accuracy game played with metallic rings. The traditional game is practiced in different countries around the world, including France, Spain and some areas in Latin America. This project is based on the reinterpretation of this traditional game, generating symbols that reflect a sense of identity and memory.

The essence of the “Toad Game” is kept in most of the areas in countries such Perú, Spain and Colombia. The use of materials such as wood and metal is a common element, as well as the rules.

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First round of sketches

First round of sketches

First round of digital sketches. Idea of cork monolith with metal structure

The primary challenge we faced was distilling the essence of the traditional ring toss game and identifying its core elements to incorporate into our proposed design. We initiated the design process by closely examining the existing game and posing critical questions: What are the fundamental requirements to play this game? How can we leverage its historical richness and the captivating story that underlies its origins?

Digital Sketches. Color options

Digital Sketches. Color options

During the Research and Concept Development phase, we analyzed and broken down the game into its main elements and interactions. After several brainstorming and sketching sessions, we managed to get the right aesthetics, and also perfected the manufacturing processes to encourage efficiency.

Search for simplification

Second Round of Digital Sketches. Simplifying forms and Designing for Manufacture.

 
Pull Angle

Pull Angle

A key focus of the project was the relentless pursuit of simplification. We aimed to preserve the essence of the game while minimizing the number of components required. Simultaneously, we prioritized ease of manufacturing. Initially, the design incorporated various materials and involved expensive and intricate processes such as CNC machining. However, as the project progressed, we honed in on a simpler approach. Ultimately, we arrived at a design that could be efficiently produced using a lathe, reducing complexity and costs while maintaining the desired functionality and aesthetics.

The punctuation system resulted from the constant search of simplification. We wanted simple points, same as those used on a dice. Commonly the score in the traditional game start from 10 and ends in the thousands. The goal is that even a child can play and enjoy “Rana”.

Pictures taken during the opening show at WantedDesign Pavillion in May 2015 in New York City

Numerous different ideas and mock-ups were explored to create the simplest and most efficient design. We made flowcharts and resolved the processes that were going to be involved in each part. This design has been reduced to 8 processes, from the cork for the body, the silicone molds for the legs and the machining and chrome plating of the frogs.