# Architecture-Inspired Die Ako Dice Are 3D Printed to Perfection Using Aluminum By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2015-09-29 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ako-dice References: [dudeiwantthat](http://www.dudeiwantthat.com/entertainment/games/ako-dice.asp) & [ako-dice](http://www.ako-dice.com/) When it comes to dice, there isn't a whole lot that one can do with the general design, but architect Kacha has given the simple piece of equipment a futuristic overhaul. First off, instead of featuring dots to represent numbers, the Ako Dice have stripes. Second, the designer has [3D printed the design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ross-lovegroves-door-handles) to absolute perfection using [aluminum as the main material](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unavela) (the dice are then finished with anodized colors or left raw). Finally, the designer packages them ornately to give them the showcase they deserve. Funded through [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-church), the Ako Dice are soon to be made available by Kacha via the product website. While the simplistic design of the Ako Dice might not seem out of this world interesting, the campaign has received an outpouring of support, which means there are more dice enthusiasts out there than you think. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 72% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **3d-printed Dice:** The use of 3D printing technology to create dice with unique designs and finishes offers an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the gaming industry. - **Alternative Dice Numbering Systems:** Designers exploring alternative ways of numbering dice such as stripes instead of dots could shake up the traditional gaming industry and attract new players. - **Elevated Packaging for Gaming Products:** Using ornate packaging for gaming products like dice could help to attract more high-end consumers and create disruption in the gaming accessories market. ### Who This Affects Most - **Gaming:** Innovative dice designs and numbering methods could disrupt the traditional gaming industry and attract new players. - **3D Printing:** The use of aluminum to create 3D printed dice presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the 3D printing industry, especially with finishing methods. - **Consumer Goods Packaging:** Elevated packaging designs for gaming products like dice could help disrupt the consumer goods packaging industry and appeal to high-end consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Multifunctional Sleek Oak Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dice.md) - [Gilded Role-Playing Game Dice](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/precision-play-signature-series-dice.md) - [Mechanical Vintage Dice Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wm-levsha.md) - [Artisanal Interior Storage Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dice-design-system.md) - [Dice-Shaped Gaming Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unidice.md) - [Multiple Dice-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/d20-digital-watch.md) - [War-Inspired 3D-Printed Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kindachess-s.md) - [Machined Aluminum Sake Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sake-cups.md) - [Redefined Sculptural Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/another-kingdom.md)