A puzzle language
Posted in: Information Architecture on Apr 2
My parents usually have a jigsaw puzzle out for us to work on at family gatherings. Over Easter we tamed a nasty puzzle that had large areas of uniform light blue. So rather than just using trial and error, I proposed that we should have some terms to describe the shapes. Christine (sister) replied, "I do... this part's called a nubbin, this is a spade..." and showed me the main parts of a puzzle piece:
This let us formulate sentences like "I'm looking for nubbins at 12 and 10 o'clock with a really straight shoulder" and "I need an asymmetrical spade."
The article Jigsaw Puzzle Cutting Styles has a more complete description of shapes. Additional shape descriptions and tips.
Posted by Gene Smith on Apr 2, 2002
