The Board: Redefining the Skateboard

Chia-Wei Chen's Innovative Transformation of a Classic

Chen's inspiration for The Board stemmed from a desire to challenge the conventional use of products. He aimed to create a different scenario for users by altering the general form of a skateboard. The transformation process of The Board provides a unique visual experience, with the intensity varying based on its various structures.

What sets The Board apart from traditional skateboards is its unique property of transformation. The conventional skateboard, often limited by its bulky appearance, is inconvenient to carry around. The Board, however, with its strong visual appeal and transforming process, morphs into a complete circle that can easily fit into a backpack. Its circular appearance also allows it to double as a decorative piece at home or be stored in narrow spaces.

The Board was realized using materials such as aluminum, iron, and plastic. Its technical specifications include two forms - a perfect circle with dimensions H:118 W: 305 L:335, and a cruiser shape with dimensions H:118 W: 152 L:626. The transformation between these two forms is made possible by 57 interlocking pivot hinges. By folding the hinges in one direction or the other, the classic cruiser shape transforms into a perfect circle, making it easy to fit into smaller spaces or even used for decoration.

The design process of The Board started in 2018 and was completed in July 2019. The underlying research for this design focused on the concept of transformation. Chen believed that transformation is not just a change in appearance, but also a consideration of factors such as space, time, and circumstance. The biggest challenge faced during the design process was manufacturing its complex dynamic structure. Chen is considering open-sourcing the design as a DIY kit for 3D printers.

The Board has received prestigious recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Golden A' Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design Award in 2021. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.