‘Aalto puck’ is a an ice-hockey puck co-designed by the Nordic Society for Invention & Finish design brand Ittala. It is also the first hockey puck that is not round, but has an irregular blob-like shape.
The puck was constructed using the same materials used to build regular hockey pucks. It therefore behaves similarly to a regular puck with the difference that the direction in which it moves varies depending on where exactly contact is made with the hockey stick. The irregular shape of the puck means its behavior is somewhat unpredictable, making for an interesting playing experience.
According to the Nordic Society for Invention and Discovery, the non-round hockey puck is "a small reminder that not everything has to be as we’re used to."
The Aalto puck is being produced and distributed as a research project. Its developers are willing to give a free puck to anyone who registers on their website, as long as they have available stock. In exchange, they are asking for video footage and other documentation showing how the puck behaves.
Blob-Shaped Hockey Pucks
The ‘Aalto’ Puck is a Deformed Version of a Regular Round Hockey Puck
Trend Themes
1. Irregular Pucks - Developing irregularly-shaped sports equipment can create novelty and uncertainty in traditional sports, leading to exciting and intense gameplay experiences.
2. Crowdsourced Testing - Encouraging customers to test and provide feedback on a product can provide valuable insight and promote a sense of community among users.
3. Alternative Designs - Experimenting with alternative designs reminds us that there are always opportunities to improve and innovate even with seemingly mundane products, such as sports equipment.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Equipment - Manufacturers of sports equipment can diversify their product offerings by creating alternative designs of traditional products that enhance gameplay experiences.
2. Market Research - Developing and distributing a non-traditional product as a research project provides a unique opportunity to conduct crowdsourced testing and gather valuable customer feedback.
3. Consumer Engagement - Encouraging customers to test a product and share their feedback creates an active community of users who are invested in the success and improvement of the product.