Skip to content
Turning Luck Taonga Tākaro Automaton Rākau Mahia-ā-Koe by Wong Li Tong

Turning Luck Taonga Tākaro Automaton Rākau Mahia-ā-Koe by Wong Li Tong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 A' Design Award Hiriwa in Hoahoa Taonga Tākaro, Kēmu me ngā Hua Runaruna Competition Category.


HiriwaTaonga Tākaro· 2024

Turning Luck Taonga Tākaro Automaton Rākau Mahia-ā-Koe

by Wong Li Tong

Client: Department of Visual Communication Design

A' Design Award Hiriwa Winner in Taonga Tākaro Category

Colors

The Design

About Turning Luck Taonga Tākaro Automaton Rākau Mahia-ā-Koe

Ko te kohinga Turning Luck e whakaora ana i te waimarie o te ao whānui mā te raupapa o ngā taonga tākaro automaton mahia-ā-koe taunekeneke. Ko ia tauira e whakaatu ana i tētahi mea waimarie rongonui mai i ngā ahurea kanorau, tae atu ki te Maneki-neko me ngā hopu moemoeā, e whakatō ana i te ia o te kitenga ahurea. Ko ngā tae kanapanapana me ngā whakaahua mōhiotanga e tohu ana i te tuku iho motuhake o ia mea waimarie, ā, ko ngā nekenga mīhini hihiri e whakaora ana i ō rātou waimarie tohu. Ko tēnei hoahoa kotahi-ki-roto ka whakaheke i te para mā te whakakore i te takai o waho, e tautoko ana i te wheako kaiwhakamahi toitū ake.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Hiriwa

Ko Turning Luck Taonga Tākaro Automaton Rākau Mahia-ā-Koe te toa o te A' Design Award Hiriwa, he whakaaetanga tino whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa taumata teitei rawa, ātaahua me te whakamīharo. Ko ngā toa Hiriwa he mahi tino kanapa, tino auaha e whakaatu ana i te mātanga, te pūmanawa me te mōhio hōhonu o ā rātou kaihoahoa. E tūmanakohia ana ko Turning Luck Taonga Tākaro Automaton Rākau Mahia-ā-Koe he mahi whakamīharo, he tauira, he tino ngaio, he auaha hōhonu. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Hiriwa he hanganga rongonui, whakamīharotia e whai wāhi ana ki te whakawhānui i ngā rohe o te toi, te pūtaiao, te hoahoa me te hangarau. Ko Turning Luck Taonga Tākaro Automaton Rākau Mahia-ā-Koe he mahi e hae ana te tini, e whakaara ana i ngā hiahia, e kawe mai ana i ngā kare-ā-roto pai, ā, e whakaoho ana i te mīharo.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
The 'Turning Luck' is a series of DIY automaton toys that users assemble, integrating mechanical interaction with cultural icons of good fortune. Featuring ten lucky charms from around the world like the Maneki-neko, Dala Horse, and horseshoe, each represents diverse cultural backgrounds and embodies unique aspirations for positive living. As users turn the handle, each model's vibrant effects come alive, promoting cultural exchange and sparking positive energy and playful interaction.
Dimensions & Packaging
Product Size
Galo de Barcelos:210 x 75 x 200(mm)
Maneki-neko:210 x 75 x 210(mm)
Horseshoes:210 x 75 x 180(mm)
Fairy Fox:210 x 75 x 200(mm)
Pysanka:210 x 75 x 180(mm)
Hamsa Hand:210 x 75 x 160(mm)
Daruma Doll:210 x 75 x 190(mm)
Dreamcatchers:210 x 75 x 215(mm)
Sun Vastu:210 x 75 x 215(mm)
Dala Horse:210 x 75 x 220(mm)
Packing box size:210 × 45 × 100(mm)
All the model parts can be stored inside the model, so the product does not require any additional packaging.
Tags
Positive Life, Interactive Design, Intercultural Communication, Entertainment, Environmentally Friendly, Puzzle Type
Production Technology
The 'Turning Luck' emphasizes environmental sustainability with eco-friendly materials like MDF and acrylic panels. Assembly tutorial videos on the official website minimize paper and ink waste. MDF is laser-cut and UV printed with our designs before packaging. The acrylic panels showcase elements representing ten countries, allowing users to see rotating gears inside. The website includes assembly tutorials, cultural stories for each charm, and showcases our brand's story and philosophy.
Design Challenge
Our initial vision was a mobile game where players strategically placed lucky charms, but we realized it lacked the genuine feeling of "good luck." So, we turned global lucky charms into DIY assembly models. Users build and interact with these models, experiencing the essence of good fortune firsthand. Designing dynamic movements was our main challenge. With thorough sketches and prototypes, we ensured smooth assembly and engaging functionality, resulting in a truly interactive
Research
We chose the theme of "good luck" because many Taiwanese turn to superstitious practices in life's challenges, seeking solace and satisfaction. These traditions, like Taiwan's "Guai Guai" snack and Japan's "Maneki-neko" reflect unique cultural practices worldwide. Coming from Malaysia, we're inspired by this enthusiasm, driving our curiosity to explore luck traditions globally.
Inspiration
In today's world, many seek good fortune and positive energy when facing life's challenges, desiring inner peace beyond material gain. 'Turning Luck' offers a hands-on experience with dynamic wooden models, allowing users to explore the symbolism behind global lucky charms. Users explore the symbolism of each lucky charm, gaining insight into diverse cultural traditions, fostering respect for global diversity, and ultimately creating a positive and enjoyable interactive experience.
Project Duration
The project will start in Taiwan in June 2023, be completed in Taiwan in January 2024, and have an on-campus exhibition at the university in January 2024. The follow-up plan is to exhibit at the Taiwan National Design Exhibition in May and June 2024.
Operation Flow
Users can scan the QR code on the packaging to access the official website, where they can read the culture stories behind each lucky charm and watch assembly tutorial videos to assemble the model themselves. Once the model is assembled, they can then turn the handle on the model to activate its dynamic visual effects.
Team Members
Illustration Designer: LAU YOONG GUANN
Visual Designer: NG KOK KIANG
Promotional Marketing: WONG LI TONG
Model Designer: LIM CHIEW HONG
Image Credits
Image #1: Designer Ng Kok Kiang,2023.
Image #2: Designer Lim Chiew Hong,2023.
Image #3: Designer Lim Chiew Hong,2023.
Image #4: Designer Ng Kok Kiang,2023.
Image #5: Designer Ng Kok Kiang,2023.

Sponsored

Explore Beyond Designers.org

Discover products, services and opportunities from our advertising partners.

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

The A' Design Award is an international, juried accolade for good design. Take part in the A' Design Award to get an opportunity to earn meritocratic recognition, gain fame, prestige and publicity for your work. Nominate your work for the A' Design Award and compete for the coveted A' Design Prize.

Nominate