Every puzzle has a biography, and every puzzle creator is a storyteller. While puzzles challenge our intellect, they also carry within them the essence of their creator’s vision, craftsmanship, and inspiration. A well-crafted puzzle is not merely an object to be solved—it is an experience, a journey through the mind of the designer. Each twist, turn, and hidden mechanism is a chapter in its story, waiting to be uncovered by those patient enough to engage with it. Some puzzles tell tales of cultural significance, while others encapsulate years of refinement and dedication. Here, we explore three renowned puzzle designers and the masterpieces they have brought into the world.
Wil Strijbos - The Lotus Flower Puzzle
Wil Strijbos, a revered figure in the puzzle community, is known for creating some of the most intricate and aesthetically refined metal puzzles. Among his many creations, the Lotus Flower Puzzle stands out as an exceptional feat of engineering and storytelling.
At first glance, the Lotus Flower Puzzle appears to be a beautifully machined aluminum. However, within its polished surface lies a deep and layered challenge. The goal is to reveal the hidden “lotus flower” by carefully removing the circular aluminum disc and rod. Unlike conventional puzzles, the solution does not rely on brute force but rather on a sequential discovery process that forces the solver to think outside the box. Each step of the journey rewards problem-solving skills and creative thinking, mirroring the spiritual and symbolic essence of a real lotus flower emerging from the water.
The puzzle was inspired by Strijbos’ earlier creation, the Yen Puzzle, which also involved a hidden object encased within a frame. However, the Lotus Flower Puzzle takes the concept to new heights by integrating a spring-loaded mechanism and requiring a deeper understanding of its components. Players who have engaged with this puzzle often describe it as one of the most satisfying experiences in their puzzle-solving journey. As they work their way through its intricacies, they become part of the puzzle’s own unfolding story—one of patience, discovery, and enlightenment.
Felix Ure - The Titan Puzzle
Felix Ure is a London-based designer specializing in mechanical metal puzzles, and his debut creation, the Titan Puzzle, has already solidified his reputation in the world of high-quality, precision-engineered challenges.
Titan appears deceptively simple—a solid brass sphere, smooth and weighty in hand. However, beneath this seemingly straightforward exterior lies an incredibly difficult take-apart puzzle that took Felix over three years to perfect. The goal is to open the sphere, but its seamless design gives no obvious clues. Solving Titan requires persistence, tactile exploration, and an acute understanding of mechanical interactions. Every attempt to unlock its secrets deepens the solver’s respect for the designer’s ingenuity.
Felix Ure’s Titan is a testament to the idea that simplicity in form can lead to extraordinary complexity in function. It embodies a story of dedication, refinement, and the pursuit of perfection. Those who manage to solve Titan speak of a profound sense of accomplishment, knowing they have unlocked not just a puzzle but a piece of the creator’s vision.
Hiroshi Iwahara - Super CUBI
Hiroshi Iwahara’s contributions to the world of puzzles are deeply rooted in the legacy of Japanese Karakuri craftsmanship. His mentor, Akio Kamei, was a pioneer in creating Karakuri puzzle boxes, and one of his most famous designs was CUBI, a cube-shaped puzzle that operates on a binary movement system. Inspired by his mentor’s work, Iwahara set out to create an even more intricate version—Super CUBI.
Super CUBI is an evolution of its predecessor, featuring an even more complex internal mechanism while maintaining the outward appearance of a simple wooden box. The beauty of Karakuri puzzles lies in their ability to conceal mind-bending mechanics behind an elegant and minimalist exterior. Super CUBI requires a meticulous and systematic approach to unlocking its secrets. The solver must interact with its sliding panels in a precise order, gradually revealing the box’s hidden compartments.
For Iwahara, the journey to creating Super CUBI was one of admiration, inspiration, and innovation. He sought to honor Kamei’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of what a Karakuri box could achieve. The result is a puzzle that exemplifies the harmony of complexity and simplicity—a true embodiment of functional beauty.
The Puzzle as a Story
Whether it is the symbolic unfolding of the Lotus Flower Puzzle, the deceptive minimalism of the Titan Puzzle, or the intricate craftsmanship of Super CUBI, each of these puzzles tells a story beyond its physical form. The designers behind them are not merely engineers of mechanisms but authors of experiences. Through their work, they invite solvers to partake in a narrative—one where patience, curiosity, and determination lead to revelation.
A great puzzle does not just challenge the mind; it leaves a lasting impression, much like a well-told story. As Ursula K. Le Guin once said, “There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies that did not tell stories.” Puzzles, like stories, are fundamental to human nature—they challenge us, engage us, and stay with us long after the solution is found.
For those who seek to understand the language of puzzles, each creation offers a new chapter waiting to be explored—one where curiosity drives discovery, patience unlocks secrets, and the journey itself becomes the most rewarding part of the story.