MoFU Mighty Omega Folding Universe
Puzzle Toy for MoFU
MoFU are transforming toys that are also brainteaser puzzles. Starting as identically shaped cuboids that slide out of boxes on drawers, each MoFU unfolds into a different kind of animal - pig, monkey, tiger, hippo, and giraffe. Each animal is its own character with cute and iconic features, but each is also a distinct puzzle. Folding a MoFU back into the correct cuboid shape so it can perfectly fit back into its box is a brainteasing challenge.
Download Press Kit № 100594
Download Press Kit № 100594 Puzzle Toy for MoFU by Yoshiaki Ito to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.
Available Now for Your Next Story
At innovation|newsroom, we understand the pressures and deadlines journalists face. That’s why we offer exclusive access to our curated press kits and high-resolution images, tailored for accredited journalists. These resources are designed to enrich your stories with depth and visual appeal, spotlighting the world's most innovative designs.
Please Note:
- Credit the work's creator and/or photographer.
- Mention innovation|newsroom as your source.
- Share your published pieces with us; we love to celebrate and promote your work on our platform and social media.
Let’s Collaborate: Your stories matter. innovation|newsroom is here to support you with quality, accessible content. Once you are accredited, reach out for the images and content you need. We will provide the specific images and content directly, along with recommendations on works to feature.
Get Accredited Easily: Quick access to our resources requires media accreditation. Apply for media accreditation to join our network and start exploring a wealth of design stories.
MoFU by Yoshiaki Ito
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Puzzle Toy by Yoshiaki Ito
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Yoshiaki Ito MoFU
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Yoshiaki Ito Puzzle Toy
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Yoshiaki Ito Designer Portrait Photo
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
MoFU Brand Logo
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
MoFU Mighty Omega Folding Universe Puzzle Toy Press Releases
Discover our press releases for MoFU Mighty Omega Folding Universe available in the following languages: English.
MoFU Mighty Omega Folding Universe Puzzle Toy Media Articles
Utilize our prepared articles to feature MoFU Mighty Omega Folding Universe, available in the languages: Hindi, Dutch, Chinese (Mandarin), Turkish, Arabic (Standard), Indonesian, Korean, Japanese, Russian, German, French, Portuguese, English, Spanish and Italian.
Unique Properties
MoFU are transforming toys that are also brainteaser puzzles. Starting as identically shaped cuboids that slide out of boxes on drawers, each MoFU unfolds into a different kind of animal - pig, monkey, tiger, hippo, and giraffe. Each animal is its own character with cute and iconic features, but each is also a distinct puzzle. Folding a MoFU back into the correct cuboid shape so it can perfectly fit back into its box is a brainteasing challenge.
Tags
Toys, Animals, Ecology, Recycled, Plastic, Geometric, Abstract, Transforming, Brainteaser, Puzzle
Production Technology
MoFU are 3D-printed using 100% recycled PET plastic from water bottles using selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing. The 3D-printed pieces of the toy are united by elastic bands which run through the center of each piece. The pieces are finished with polyshot surfacing and deep-dye coloring for safe use by children and maximum lifespan.
Design Challenge
I had to think about the shape of each piece very carefully and how it could fit with its neighboring piece like a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. Additionally all of the pieces had to be folded together into the rectangular shape of their box.
Project Duration
MoFU project development started in Brooklyn, NY in April 2018. The first animal, a pig, was created in May 2018; the monkey was finished in September 2018; the tiger in December 2018, the hippo in March 2019, and the giraffe in Jun 2019.
Operation Flow
MoFU emerge from identically shaped boxes, but each transforms into a different animal figure with articulated joints. Elastic bands form the animals' tendons and ligaments, allowing maximum transformability and infinite possible poses. The toys are figurines, but they are also puzzles with varying degrees of difficulty. Folding them back into the correct cuboid shape so that they can fit back into their boxes ranges from simple for a child hippo to difficult for an adult monkey.
Research
Each piece of each toy had to be precisely shaped to fit with its neighboring piece like a 3D jigsaw puzzle. Pieces that approximate parts of an animal body must also be folded and nestled in a specific way, fitting perfectly together to revert to a cuboid shape. Finding the perfect tension of the elastic bands was difficult as the pieces must freely rotate and fold, but not be at all loose. The holes bored for the bands had to be precise to the half-millimeter for the toy to function properly.
Inspiration
Japanese origami, Kumiki puzzles, Transformers.
Image Credits
Photgrapes by Yoshiaki Ito, Video by Aria Wetzler and Yana Birykova
Project Overview
MoFU Mighty Omega Folding Universe Puzzle Toy has been a Golden winner in the Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design award category in the year 2019 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Gold A' Design Award is granted to designs that demonstrate a high level of innovation and a significant impact on their intended audience. Recognized as a major achievement by the A' Design Awards, these designs are characterized by their visionary approach and the exceptional skill of their creators. Winners of the Gold A' Design Award are noted for their ability to push the envelope in art, science, design, and technology, delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. These designs serve as benchmarks for excellence, encouraging further innovation and inspiring future generations of designers.
Golden Recognition
Yoshiaki Ito was recognized with the coveted Golden A' Design Award in 2020, a testament to excellence of their work MoFU Mighty Omega Folding Universe Puzzle Toy.
Yoshiaki Ito Press Releases
Our press releases on Yoshiaki Ito and their work are made freely available for press members looking to add depth to their content. Now available: Immediate access to 1 press releases for journalists.
Introducing MoFU Mighty Omega Folding Universe: The Transforming Puzzle Toy
Yoshiaki Ito unveils MoFU, a line of transforming toys that double as brainteaser puzzles, inspired by Japanese origami, Kumiki puzzles, and Transformers.
Yoshiaki Ito Newsroom
Explore Yoshiaki Ito Newsroom to uncover award-winning design projects and more.
