DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
IKAOB : PIXIO is inspired by pixel art style and pixels of the digital world. The ideal shape was chosen — a cube, which is the most fundamental form both mathematically and aesthetically.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
IKAOB : No visible connecting elements, no complicated parts - only a fine line between the simplicity and elegancy. Main focus was on fitting the unique blocks mechanics to pixels digital world. Based on the principle of reduced construction blocks for promoting creativity, PIXIO offers an infinite number of different combinations for creating objects in charming pixel optics. PIXIO is a next-step in voxel art modeling and styling.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
IKAOB : Our future plans are to conquer the people's mind and present our ideal construction set worldwide.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
IKAOB : Probably, this idea had been living in our minds for ages. But from the decision to create PIXIO to the prototype around 9 months have passed.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
IKAOB : We are constantly searching for new cool ideas, really something new, which was not there before.
The simplicity, versatility, and expressiveness of pixel art have always fascinated each of us with its charm and unlimited potential.
It seemed to us as though PIXIO always existed in our soul and now it's time for its materialization.
So we started the project and embodied it.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
IKAOB : We started mass production by ourself already to show the world our creation. PIXIO will be popular like a simplest colorful construction set as for adult designers - real fans of 8-bit game consoles, same to kids older than 6 y.o.
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
IKAOB : Strong wish and faith in PIXIO as a great but simple tool to create everything your imagination tells you.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
IKAOB : For marketing research pixel art artists, toy specialists, and graphic designers were helping us to obtain more information and feedbacks
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
IKAOB : PIXIO is great for all ages for learning development, education, and entertainment. PIXIO is made for everyone who loves creativity, technology, design, games, and just fun. It is for adult designers - real fans of 8-bit game consoles, same kids older than 6 y.o.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
IKAOB : The design of cube isn’t new but 6 small magnets inside is know-how. The polarity of these magnets are designed in a way that enable the cubes to be connected to each other in any sequence from different sides.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
IKAOB : The name was born with a concept same time. The 8 mm blocks are reminiscent of 3D pixels. This is how name PIXIO came.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
IKAOB : Everything that can help you to visualize your idea have been used. From 3D printed models to paper constructions.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
IKAOB : The most important and great features are two next:
The first feature is a unique mechanics and design, which in a complex give uniform blocks without visible fastening elements. One Pixio block can be connected to either side of another Pixio block – it's unique.
The essence of simplicity, solidity, style and pixel versatility we implemented in real life thanks to the invisible magnetic force.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
IKAOB : We have our great team, few of it really has a special technical education. We also consult with well-known designers discussing our project in general meaning.
DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
IKAOB : Technology aspect is very important no doubt. From the right plastic density and color rendition to the exact size of the magnets and magnet density. This is a very complex and long process. But we are satisfied with the product and its designs after all.
DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
IKAOB : For Marketing research, we use a lot of focus groups and passed consultation with pixel art artists, toy specialists, and graphic designers.
The biggest research - was Kickstarter campaign that gives strong positive feedback from backers all around the world.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
IKAOB : The biggest challenge was to fit the unique mechanics and apply the design concept given the 8 mm size. After multiple experiments with the mold and materials, we finally were able to bring pixel versatility into real life.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
IKAOB : We are huge fans of A’Design competition for last few years. We were confident to see PIXIO in winners list this year.
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
IKAOB : We have not overcome all the challenges because working on a project is an ongoing process. Difficulties are literally at every step, but it's an honor for us to represent a product that grows faster and faster.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
IKAOB : We always do things which do not exist yet, something cool, and it turns out really great. We are creating something beautiful and necessary, and we ourselves go to people with it. Hope everyone will understand and love PIXIO.
