Xmatrix Quadrus: A Mesmerizing Labyrinth Puzzle

Jeremy Goode's Award-Winning Design Marries Art and Game

Goode's inspiration for the Xmatrix Quadrus came from puzzles and games he played with as a child, coupled with a graphic interest in pattern and illusion. He aimed to create a self-contained challenge that was simple to understand, fun, beautiful, difficult, and affordable. The result is a mesmerizing puzzle that is both a game and an art piece, playing with light in a stunningly sculptural and interactive way.

Unlike most puzzles of this type, which are visual mazes, the Xmatrix Quadrus is both visual and mental. The path only reveals itself during play, and remembering the shape of this invisible path is key to finding your way. The puzzle is elegant and luxurious, with small raised corners to prevent surface scratching and slipping out of your hand. Its handy size makes it easy to hold, stack in-store, and transport.

The Xmatrix Quadrus is made from an injection moulded acrylic box, with three injection moulded GPPS layers that glow in UV light. It also includes two frames - gold and silver plated, a white X platform, four gold foil side logos, and a chromed steel ball. The box is ultrasonically welded shut. The packaging is a sliding drawer window-box, made from recycled and recyclable card, with a 3 colour print with gold foil and UV varnish.

The player tilts and flips the box to navigate the ball from the central GOLD framed X, through the matrix, into the opposite SILVER framed X and back again. The challenge is to complete the game in the shortest possible time. With patience, players learn to identify the built-in clues, landmarks, and hurdles, gradually overcoming the feeling of disorientation. Remembering the path already travelled helps players to develop a mental mind-map of the labyrinth.

The project started as a spare time project on Goode's kitchen table in Portugal in 1999. It sat in a box for 11 years until he moved to Cornwall, UK, and decided to 'go for it' and tool-up in 2010. The first production was delivered to the UK at the end of October 2010. The Xmatrix Quadrus is a testament to Goode's dedication and creativity, and a shining example of the intersection of art, design, and technology.