This is a cardboard chess game designed to be played, interacted with, and built into the space around it.
At a smaller scale, it works as a tabletop chess set for workshops, exhibitions, and retail environments. Something people can gather around, slow down, and engage with.
At a larger scale, it becomes a full interactive installation. Oversized pieces, a floor-based board, and enough presence to draw people in from across a room or open space.
How It Works
The chess board can be designed in a few ways depending on the format.
For tabletop versions, the board is a flat surface and the pieces are scaled for comfortable handling and repeated use.
For large-scale versions, the board is laid out on the floor. The chess pieces are freestanding forms, usually between 300mm and 1m+ tall depending on the space.
Customisation and Branding
Visual design and finishes
The chess game can be as minimal or as branded as needed.
Common finishes include:
- natural kraft cardboard for a raw, material-driven look
- black or white for contrast and clarity
- full colour printed graphics across the board and pieces
- campaign-led designs, patterns, or gradients
Piece design
Traditional chess pieces are a starting point, not a limitation.
We can adapt the forms to suit a concept, such as:
- branded characters or mascots
- abstract sculptural shapes
- product-inspired forms
- themed visual storytelling elements
The game still functions, but visually it becomes unique to the activation.
Sizes and formats
There’s flexibility depending on how the piece will be used:
- tabletop sets for workshops, retail, and smaller activations
- mid-size builds for exhibitions and brand activations
- large-scale chess games for public spaces, festivals, and installations
Boards and pieces can be scaled to suit tight indoor footprints or large open environments.
Sustainability
This is built with the same thinking we apply across all cardboard event installations.
The materials are recyclable, responsibly sourced, and chosen to keep the environmental impact as low as possible.
Because everything is lightweight, transport is more efficient. That reduces emissions compared to heavier construction materials and makes logistics easier to manage.
The structure can also be reused across multiple events if designed for it. Pieces can be stored, reinstalled, and adapted for different activations over time.
For one-off events, the materials can be separated and recycled at the end of life.
There’s a bigger shift happening across events and exhibitions. More teams are being asked to consider waste, material use, and long-term impact. Projects like this make it easier to create something engaging while still moving in that direction.
Ideal Applications
This design works well anywhere you want people to interact, pause, and spend time in the space.
Common uses include:
- brand activations and experiential campaigns
- exhibitions and trade shows
- retail displays and pop ups
- community events and festivals
- workshops and facilitated sessions
- theatre sets and stage props
- photo moments and interactive installations
It’s especially useful in environments where passive displays get overlooked and you need something that invites participation.
FAQs
Can it be shipped interstate?
It can. We often design for freight to be manageable across Australia.
How long does it take to produce?
Lead times vary depending on scale and level of customisation. As a guide, most projects sit somewhere between two to four weeks.
Can we customise the design of the pieces?
Yes. The shapes can be adapted to suit your brand, theme, or concept while still keeping the game functional.
Can the board and pieces be printed?
Yes. Both can be printed with full colour graphics, patterns, or branding depending on the finish you’re after.