About
Wowmino is the first 3D domino system that allows users to design structures that:
- Move in every direction
- Turn corners
- Travel up and down ramps
- Allow multiple levels
- Utilize turn stiles, launcher chutes, and balls
There's nothing quite like the anticipation of knocking down that first domino. And the thrill that follows, as each one falls into the next, is unrivaled. Yet, we all know that setting up an entire set and accidentally bumping one over too soon is infuriating. Well, now there is Wowmino!
Wowmino is the first 3D Domino system that allows users to design structures that move in every direction, turn corners, travel up and down ramps via columns on multiple levels, and utilize turn stiles, launcher chutes, and balls for extra flare.
Once you begin your design, the possibilities are endless… We provide the pieces, but the rest is up to you. So, let your imagination take over and be amazed at what you create!
Wowmino sets are expressly designed to provide the excitement of play without the stress of mishaps. Wowmino pieces snap into tracks that prevent them from falling over until you're ready to knock them down. Pieces can only fall in one direction which makes standing them up as simple as tilting the track on an angle.
The most important thing for child development is challenge. Without pushing their limits, they can never learn: it takes a whole lot of falling over to learn how to walk. At Dazzo, we believe that the greatest toys are those that can provide a challenge, can stimulate brain activity and develop important skills. Wowmino fits within this categorization perfectly.
Because of the freeform, customizable approach, kids are forced to design Wowmino builds themselves, figuring out what works and what doesn’t. Similar to other toys like LEGO, this product provides children with infinite possibilities and endless hours of STEM-based educational and tactile development.
STEM stands for Science, Math, Engineering, and Technology: this educational curriculum is prevalent in schools today, intended to prepare children for innovative futures. The emphasis placed on user-input design and physics makes Wowmino an optimal companion to any STEM education.
Simple, intuitive, and, most importantly, fun, Wowmino is sure to inspire children everywhere to keep creating.
Upwards, downwards, left or right, you are in control of what Wowmino becomes!
Check out this video to see the full potential of building with WOWMINO.
There are countless incredible, clever, and spectacular domino videos on YouTube that never cease to amaze us. Wowminos are not meant to replace these conventional dominos by any means. In fact, Wowmino acts as a supplement to pre-existing domino methods, allowing for a greater diversity in the art and design of dominos.
When we first came up with the idea to create Wowmino, we thought designing the mechanisms would be fairly simple. However, we quickly learned that the process is actually very complex.
An immense amount of calculation was needed to determine the exact size of each Wowmino, the position of the axis, the structure of the sitting-hole, and the distance between each piece. Additionally, we had to fully engineer the physics of the stairs and supporting columns.
Here are some of the 3D prototypes in the beginning stages:
It was an arduous process working out the intricacies needed to ensure the Wowminos would travel smoothly, execute turns, and ascend/ descend ramps successfully. For some of the details, the accuracy needed to be within 0.05mm (the width of human hair).
- Column - Used to elevate Wowmino tracks
- Column Extension - Used to extend the height of the column
- Column Bracket – Used to hold tracks, sliders and other add-ons on top of the column
- Column Long Bracket – Used to hold the center of tracks, sliders and other add-ons on top of the column
- Column Turn Bracket – Used to hold the left and right turn tracks on top of the column
- Sphere Turn Bracket – Used to turn the sphere 90º
- Column Base – Used to hold column in place
- Column Base Pro – Used for taller columns, providing more stability than the standard column base
- Straight 5 Track – Five Wowminos on a straight track
- Straight 3 Track – Three Wowminos on a smaller straight track
- Right Turn Track – Three Wowminos on a track turning right
- Left Turn Track - Three Wowminos on a track turning right
- Incline Stair – Seven Wowminos on an inclining track
- Decline Stair – Seven Wowminos on a declining track
- Sphere – Used for interacting with the other pieces.
- Propeller Turn - Used as a spinning directional switch add-on (made of high grade brushed aluminum)
- Wave Slider – A specific slide ramp for the sphere
- S-Ramp – Another specific slide ramp for the sphere
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Column Demo Overview:
Sprice Machines (America's Got Talent Finalist Steve Price)
"Wowmino makes domino setup really quick and easy for beginners with little to no experience in domino toppling. For professionals, the possibilities of using them in domino projects are endless. They can weave in and out of 3D domino structures and can connect domino chains on multiple surfaces at different heights. The transparent colors of the dominoes are very aesthetically pleasing and I look forward to incorporating them in many more of my projects." - Steve Price
WOWMINO Fidget:
The Fidget Tool is the ideal desk companion. Perfect for stimulating imagination while keeping active hands occupied, it doubles as a desktop apparatus which can be used as a paperweight, post-it stand, or simply an aesthetic accent.
The domino style pieces are attached to a track, making them easy to stand up and knock over. The Fidget Tool is made of a sturdy aluminum material which produces a soothing sound as the pieces fall into each other. The Fidget Tool fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and comes with a pocket-sized PU leather carrying pouch. Interaction with the Fidget Tool is meant to improve focus and stimulate thinking through creative play.
“It moves smoothly and has a aesthetic that makes it different from classic dominoes”.
Precisely engineered, Wowmino will require 25 precision molds in order to become a reality. These molds are not cheap but will allow for the mass production of high quality Wowmino pieces that our backers and future consumers will love. Please help us bring Wowmino to life.
Risks and challenges
The major challenge present in the project was the immense amount of calculation required to perfect the Wowmino system.
The Wowmino pieces must fall smoothly but, at the same time, not tip over too easily--that was the trickiest part! It took four months to perfect the design (which we originally estimated would only take one month), but after hundreds of failed prototypes, we finally engineered the optimal balance in order to provide users with the most enjoyable experience.
Now that the design and planning are out of the way, the only challenge ahead of us is to purchase the permanent molds for mass production.
Support
Funding period
- (45 days)