YI - Xiangqi Set
Xiangqi: A traditional Chinese board game that is similar to chess
The Yi-Xiangqi Set reimagines traditional Chinese chess for a broader audience, making it accessible and enjoyable for players unfamiliar with xiangqi and Chinese characters, while enhancing portability and casual playing experience.
It offers two setups: one that preserves the authentic Chinese character on the pieces, and another that introduces visual symbols inspired by Western chess for easier recognition and adaptation.
Design opportunity
Traditional Xiangqi (Chinese chess) sets are oftentimes heavy, non-portable, and visually uniform— readable only to those who know Chinese characters.
I set out to rethink that experience.
Process
After exploring and testing several concepts, I arrived at this tent-like design. Through further ideation and material experimentation, wood and leather, chosen for their natural warmth and ancient elegance, became the final materials.
Chess
Xiangqi
