Y-Ball
Y-Ball , designed by Roger von Oech, is a set of thirty identical magnetic building pieces.
It is interesting to see how the idea for this puzzle was developed.
Roger von Oech was inspired for this puzzle when he examined a truncated icosahedron,
which had the shape of a ball. In this geometrical form every corner is linked with further
corners by three edges. If you halve the three edges, you obtain a Y-shaped object.
If you connect two of these Y-shaped objects, then you get the pieces, therefore the name
of this puzzle.
This Y-shaped object has a strong magnet on each of its corners. Due to the strong magnets
different figures and shapes can be built.
The puzzle can be played in different ways. Many examples can be found in the accompanying booklet.
I like especially the following ways of playing:
Similarly to tangram, given figures can be built. This is not very difficult
and therefore also well suited for children.
My favorite way of playing is to build new figures and shapes.
The possibilities are unlimited, but all figures resemble honeycombs.
The puzzle is accompanied by a 96-page booklet. The booklet is divided into three parts:
-Play With It
-Creativity Workshop
-The Inspiration for the Y-Ball and Other Golden Information
The part about the Creativity Workshop is especially interesting. The Creativity Workshop consists
of 12 exercises. Each exercise deals with a special topic and is performed with the help of the Y-Ball.
In addition to the exercise itself, there is background information and a questionnaire.
The questionnaire aims to apply the lessons to everyday life.
Creativity is an imaginative activity which cannot be learned over night. Nevertheless, it is possible
to foster the creativity. In my point of view the book together with the puzzle
provide a good stimulation, especially as the exercises are not difficult.
The puzzle is well suited for everybody who likes to construct figures and patterns
and who likes to use his imagination. The puzzle is very absorbing, therefore it is in my point of view
the perfect desk toy to distract you from problems.
You can buy Y-Ball on the website.