Origami Letter: A Modern Twist on Traditional Art

Aquaring Inc. Transforms Japanese Origami into a Unique Messaging Tool

Origami, the Japanese craft of paper folding, has long been used as a form of courtesy in gift wrapping. Aquaring Inc. drew inspiration from this tradition, aiming to create a modern communication tool that allows people to convey their feelings in a unique and personal way. The result is the Origami Letter, a messaging tool that offers users the choice of creating a digital letter or printing and folding a paper letter.

The design of the Origami Letter is a blend of traditional origami and Middle Eastern arabesque patterns. The geometric similarities between the two art forms were used to create a design with detailed decorations and relaxing animations, expressing a subtle worldview of heartfelt messages. The design was realized using WebGL textures and pre-rendered images from 3DCG software, maintaining a natural look and feel while enabling real-time interaction.

Despite the complexity of paper origami, the Origami Letter is designed to be user-friendly. After writing a message, users can fold the digital letter in three simple steps. The completed origami can then be shared via a URL or downloaded as a PDF for printing and folding. This interactive design offers a unique way of communicating, bridging the gap between traditional letter writing and modern chat apps.

The Origami Letter project was launched in July 2020 but was not promoted until October 2021 due to the postponement of the Dubai Expo and the COVID-19 pandemic. The launch was timed to coincide with the official opening of the Dubai Expo and International Letter Writing Week, which promotes cultural exchange and world peace through letter writing.

Despite the challenges of translating the beauty of origami into a digital user experience, the Origami Letter has received a positive response worldwide. The design's success is a testament to the team's creativity and technical expertise, as well as their commitment to creating a communication tool that is both easy to use and emotionally expressive.

In recognition of its innovative design, the Origami Letter was awarded Silver in the A' Website and Web Design Awards in 2022. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and that inspire positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.