Boulderball Training Tool and Game by Martin Oberhauser

Home > Winners > #156938




DESIGN DETAILS
DESIGN NAME:
Boulderball

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Training Tool and Game

INSPIRATION:
Bouldering is not just about physical strength; it requires the creativity to identify the shortest route, the strength to keep fingers on the holds, and the concentration to focus on the fingertips of both hands and feet. These are skills necessary not just for bouldering but for people of all ages, though daily training is needed to develop them. The rules of Boulderball are simple: use up to three fingers to move the ball to the designated hold parts without dropping it. The surface of Boulderball features variously sized and textured hold parts designed to be supported just with fingertips, mimicking the sensation of actual bouldering. A significant level of fingertip strength is required, as well as a sophisticated balance sense. Like bouldering, the tension remains high until the goal is reached because a small mistake can cause the ball to fall. The round structure of the Boulderball is the canvas for eight different climbing routes, specifically designed for different skill levels and climbing techniques. The routes on the Boulderball are all color coded and match a set of playing cards which serve as guides for the game. The playing cards are inspired by the greatest climbing routes on the world's most difficult peaks. The cards set your next steps and can be used to challenge yourself or your friends, teaching you new handgrips.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The smallest bouldering wall in the world Boulderball, the first combined training tool and game specifically made for climbers, finger-strength training and climbing technique. Inspired by climbers, the Boulderball packs an ideal climb-training tool and fidgeting game for climbers into a small ball that can be brought along everywhere.

OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:
Boulderball teaches you problem solving. The playing cards are inspired by the greatest climbing routes on the world's most difficult peaks. The cards set your next steps and can be used to challenge yourself or your friends, teaching you new handgrips and problem solving. Different climbing holds of different shapes and sizes guide you through the route to the end point. Strength, conditioning and finger-technique can thus be trained on the go, whether at home, in the office, at school or as warm-up before a climbing session. With Boulderball, for the first time ever, climbers are enabled to closely observe and analyze finger-technique, positioning and efficiency through a small, lightweight and super portable climbing gadget. Just throw it into your backpack and use it to boulder it all, with the Boulderball.

PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:
The project started in Bolzano in 2022 and finished in Bolzano in 2023.

PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY:
Injection molding made in Italy. The primary structure consists solely of a uniform element held together by the handles. The Boulderball is made of the probably most versatile plastic on the market due to its heat resistance and moisture and chemical barriers. It is a product growing in recyclable popularity and can be recycled to create hard-wearing plastic materials such as bins, handles, cases etc.

SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:
110 mm x 110 mm x 110 mm

TAGS:
game, training tool, boulderball, studiooberhauser, climb

RESEARCH ABSTRACT:
Boulderball is a strategic and cognitive game derived from bouldering training, aimed at improving mental acuity and physical dexterity. Developed by experts in sports science and cognitive science, this game uniquely combines physical engagement with cognitive challenges to enhance creativity, concentration, and finger grip strength. Manufactured in Italy, its innovative design allows for cost-effective production without compromising quality. The game has undergone extensive testing with both world-class climbing athletes and children, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness in training across all ages. Boulderball's compact and portable nature makes it an ideal tool for climbers of all levels, facilitating an accessible and engaging approach to climbing training.

CHALLENGE:
The difficulty was finding a design that would reduce production costs, enabling the product to be manufactured in Italy.

ADDED DATE:
2024-01-10 12:28:30

TEAM MEMBERS (1) :


IMAGE CREDITS:
Image #1: ©studiooberhauser, Image #2: ©boulderball, Image #3: ©studiooberhauser, Image #4: ©studiooberhauser, Image #5:©Lukas Kahn

PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS:
©studiooberhauser, Boulderball Trademark Climball

Visit the following page to learn more: https://www.boulderball.it


CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS
NAME:
Boulderball

PROFILE:
Both Dieter and Joachim are avid tinkerers who had long harbored the ambition to create a game that was not only engaging but also meaningful. Dieter, an enthusiast who devoted every spare moment to climbing, sparked the initial idea of transforming the theme of climbing into something novel. He quickly shared his vision with Joachim, who was already brimming with ideas. Together, they embarked on the thrilling journey of crafting a game designed to fine-tune the mind and senses, all while drawing inspiration from the world of climbing. This collaborative effort led to the creation of Boulderball, a game distinguished by its unparalleled design, thanks to the contributions of the designer, Martin. Joachim, renowned for his expertise in enhancing mental and cognitive performance, excelled in mastering Boulderball. He continuously devised new climbing routes and game concepts, pushing the boundaries of what was possible. Dieter, on the other hand, brought his extensive knowledge as a sports scientist and climbing aficionado to the table. Leveraging his deep understanding of the field and his connections with athletes and coaches, he played a pivotal role in the successful establishment and growth of Boulderball.



NOMINATION DETAILS

Boulderball Training Tool and Game by Martin Oberhauser is a Nominee in Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design Category.

· This project is currently confidential as results have not been announced yet. Images and further details of the project is not available for public yet, please check back later. If you are the owner of this design, please login to view the images.

· The profile and other works by Martin Oberhauser is also kept secret. This information will also be available later.


AWARD DETAILS

Boulderball Training Tool and Game by Martin Oberhauser is Winner in Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design Category, 2023 - 2024.



· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Martin Oberhauser.

· Click here to view the profile and other works by Martin Oberhauser.


SOCIAL
+ Add to Likes / Favorites | Send to My Email | Submit Comment | Comment | Testimonials | View Press-Release | Press Kit



Did you like Martin Oberhauser's Toy Design?
You will most likely enjoy other award winning toy design as well.
Click here to view more Award Winning Toy Design.


Did you like Boulderball Training Tool and Game? Help us create a global awareness for good toy design worldwide. Show your support for Martin Oberhauser, the creator of great toy design by gifting them a nomination ticket so that we could promote more of their great toy design works.

See other A' Design Award and Competition WinnersA' Design Award Presentation Submit Your Designs
 
design award logo

BENEFITS
THE DESIGN PRIZE
WINNERS SERVICES
PR CAMPAIGN
PRESS RELEASE
MEDIA CAMPAIGNS
AWARD TROPHY
AWARD CERTIFICATE
AWARD WINNER LOGO
PRIME DESIGN MARK
BUY & SELL DESIGN
DESIGN BUSINESS NETWORK
AWARD SUPPLEMENT

METHODOLOGY
DESIGN AWARD JURY
PRELIMINARY SCORE
VOTING SYSTEM
EVALUATION CRITERIA
METHODOLOGY
BENEFITS FOR WINNERS
PRIVACY POLICY
ELIGIBILITY
FEEDBACK
WINNERS' MANUAL
PROOF OF CREATION
WINNER KIT CONTENTS
FAIR JUDGING
AWARD YEARBOOK
AWARD GALA NIGHT
AWARD EXHIBITION

MAKING AN ENTRY
ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS
REGISTRATION
ALL CATEGORIES

FEES & DATES
FURTHER FEES POLICY
MAKING A PAYMENT
PAYMENT METHODS
DATES & FEES

TRENDS & REPORTS
DESIGN TRENDS
DESIGNER REPORTS
DESIGNER PROFILES
DESIGN INTERVIEWS

ABOUT
THE AWARD
AWARD IN NUMBERS
HOMEPAGE
AWARD WINNING DESIGNS
DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
MUSEUM OF DESIGN
PRIME CLUBS
SITEMAP
RESOURCE

RANKINGS
DESIGNER RANKINGS
WORLD DESIGN RANKINGS
DESIGN CLASSIFICATIONS
POPULAR DESIGNERS

CORPORATE
GET INVOLVED
SPONSOR AN AWARD
BENEFITS FOR SPONSORS
IMPRESSUM IMPRINT

PRESS
DOWNLOADS
PRESS-KITS
PRESS PORTAL
LIST OF WINNERS
PUBLICATIONS
RANKINGS
CALL FOR ENTRIES
RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT

CONTACT US
CONTACT US
GET SUPPORT

Good design deserves great recognition.
A' Design Award & Competition.