The 42nd type of maze construction is the Pod Maze. This construction came about from a collaboration with a friend, While the final product can look many different ways, the core ‘pod’ idea stays the same. Let’s define what a Pod maze is then get into the step by step instructions ! I have included a free downloadable book of 31 Pod Mazes at the end of the post.
Pod Maze - A Maze with separated sections, called pods, that must be traveled between to solve the maze. The ability to jump between pods is denoted by small arrows in the pathways.
How to Make a Pod Maze
Step 1 - Draw the Background and Pods
The background will determine the shape of the maze. I typically use a black background to match the color of the pathways I will be drawing. Matching these will save you headaches during construction ! The pod placement and shapes are your choice. Make sure you have enough places where it will become possible to move between pods. The spacing is up to you. In a simple maze closer together will be easier.
Design Option - make the background a light color and change it to the final color during the final step ! This allows the pathways to be more easily seen during drawing !
Step 2 - Choose the Start and Goal (optional)
Choose the start, and optionally the goal and place them in the pods. The goal can always be moved later as the maze is constructed !
Step 3 - Start Mazing
I use a standard construction in the actual pods, but many other options would also work. As you move to the edges of a pod, add a small arrow to indicate where a pathway can cross into the next pod. The adjacent pod should have an arrow aligned in the same plane across to indicate the proper movement allowed as in the example below.
Design Option - When drawing the pathways you could stop them at the pod edges OR continue them across the background (these will be invisible when the background matches the pathway color). If you use a light color background during design this will help with the design !!
Step 4 - Keep mazing and finish the maze
Continue to draw pathways until you have finished completing the entire maze.
Step 5 - Create the Solution (optional)
Make a solution to the maze !
Additional Pod Maze Examples
This additional example uses a spiral construction extensively within the maze.
And this second example adds some color to make the maze more interesting. Nice autumnal colors.
In this third example I mix a few different shapes, using triangles and a center circle as pods.
Free Downloadable Pod Maze Book
The Pod Maze Book
A free downloadable book featuring 31 different pod mazes. Mazes come in a variety of shapes and colors. El libro esta disponible en Español tambien !
File Size: 329 KB
Step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.
Step by step instructions on how to make digital labyrinths.
