Arrow Maze Design Case Study - Part 3 - Intersections

December 2, 2021

Welcome to Part 3 of our Arrow Maze Design Case study. We will look at the use of Intersection Arrows. Of all the arrows used these are the key arrows that create choice in an Arrow maze. Without them an Arrow maze would be more like an Arrow labyrinth.

Here is an overview of what we will be covering in the 14 part series:

Arrow Maze Construction and Design:

Arrow Maze Components:

Part 5 - Regular Arrows

Part 6 - Double Arrows

Extreme Arrow Maze examples:

Arrow Maze Design Case Study - Part 3- Intersections

For our first example we will use a 9 x 13 landscape Arrow Maze, and fill it with a total of 13 L shaped Intersections. These intersections are the standard way in an arrow maze to give the solver a decision to make on what direction they would like to continue in. The more choices (intersections) the more difficult the maze, since only one pathway will lead to the GOAL.

One of the great ways to use these intersection arrows is next to the START block, which will naturally expand the initial options of the solver. As shown in RED below, the 4 starting moves actually work like 6 possible starting moves/paths to choose since 2 intersections are possible from the START. If you are starting an Arrow maze from a tight space (say a corner), consider adding intersections right off the bat !

Arrow Maze possible starting moves shown

While this Arrow Maze used only L shaped intersections, you can also have an opposite direction decision arrow that works in the same way. Here is an example from my book (page 39). Take some time and try to solve this one. I used an extensive Looping system while constructing it that is intended to send the solver back near the start multiple times (unless you are lucky !!). It is actually a good example of that construction that we will cover in a future post.

This 8x9 Arrow Maze contains 70 solving blocks (72 minus START and GOAL) and 13 decisions, or roughly one every 18.5% of blocks (vs my first example 13/115 =11% of blocks). So despite being a smaller maze by 37% you are much more likely to get lost in it (in theory).

The summary of intersections - the more you use the more difficult the arrow maze.

In Part 4 I will look at the use of loops in a maze construction, a must for any arrow maze designer !

Arrow Maze Design Case Study - Part 2 Using Creative Shapes

November 30, 2021

Welcome to Part 2 of our Arrow Maze Design Case study. In this section of the case study we will look at the shape of the overall arrow maze. I call it using creative shapes, but it can just as easily be simple shapes.

Here is an overview of what we will be covering in the 14 part series:

Arrow Maze Construction and Design:

Arrow Maze Components:

Part 5 - Regular Arrows

Part 6 - Double Arrows

Extreme Arrow Maze examples:

Arrow Maze Design Case Study - Part 2 - Using Creative Shapes

The shape and size of the Arrow Maze will help determine the difficulty level and funability which is apparently not a word. Well, I say it is.

Funability - a measure how much fun an event or item contains

Now that we have that out of the way let’s begin with some obvious statements.

The larger the Arrow Maze (as measured by the number of blocks) the more difficult the potential maze
Interesting shapes, including those with notches and gaps creates a more interesting solving experience and allows for more ‘visually hidden’ moves.

Let’s look at a few examples: Simple 9x9 maze (81 blocks). Nothing to write home about. The maze complexity in completely dependent on how the blocks are filled.

Here is a shape that is based off an 8x8 but has cutouts that give it a pinch point in the center. This means the loops do not return you to start, but return you to the midpoint intersection block. The shape essentially splits the maze into two sections.

Based off on an 8 x 9 grid, this maze has a cutout to give it an O shape. In this maze the flow of the pathways is counterclockwise around the center space.

My next example uses floating blocks that can only be reached by using double arrows. It also includes lots of gaps that can be jumped. Overall the shape helps make a more interesting solve. It includes a forced START move and a double move is needed to reach the GOAL.

I have made a few dozen 45 degree angle Arrow Mazes. This particular maze comes from my maze book (page 49!). While this maze looks interesting and is a nice change of pace from a regular shaped maze, the actual maze design is not really affected. Everything is at a 45 degree angle. I like to mix these in for a change of pace. The shape, however, does have many nocks and crannies to move in and out of !

And let’s look at 3 more shapes that are large scale landscape mazes that I made with interesting shapes to force certain moves. I like all three. Take some time to solve them, I think they are enjoyable mazes.

The moral of this portion of the case study - Be creative with your shapes !

Our next topic in Part 3 - Intersections

Arrow Maze Design Case Study - Part 1 Start Locations and Options

November 28, 2021

One of my favorite types of mazes to make is the Arrow Maze. I have a book on Amazon of 100 Arrow Mazes, and it is one of the few ,and possibly only? maze book that is available on Kindle. This is because an Arrow Maze can be solved WITHOUT a writing utensil. In fact most people use their eyes or a hovering finger to solve an Arrow Maze. In a series of 14 posts I will be going through some of the design decisions that go into making a successful and fun Arrow Maze. I will be going to extremes in many of these to make the point more impactful.

The 14 part series has 3 major themes we will delve into; Arrow Maze Construction and Design, Arrow Maze Components and Extreme Arrow Maze examples.

Here is an overview of what we will be covering in the 14 part series:

Arrow Maze Construction and Design:

Arrow Maze Components:

Part 5 - Regular Arrows

Part 6 - Double Arrows

Extreme Arrow Maze examples:

Arrow Maze Design Case Study - Part 1 - Start Locations and Options

Making an Arrow Maze start with where you place the START block in the maze. Seems like an easy decision, but there are a few things for you to consider. We will look at a total of 15 different examples, using mini grids to represent larger mazes. Beginning in the top left and moving left to right using our example below:

Corner Starts: you have 3 blocks to work with which can have pathways either in, or out (left). You can use an intersection arrow to create an additional pathway out (center). You can also force a direction for your solver as in the top right example where all 3 initial options lead to the same arrow eventually (right).

Edge Starts: moving away from a corner with the START block gives you an additional 2 blocks for pathways either in or out. You have 5 blocks to work with using any combination of pathways in/out (left, right). You may maximize your out pathways again by using intersection arrows, jumping your pathways to 7 (middle example).

Center Starts: For maximum pathway options you can use a center placed block. This will give you 8 pathways full of regular arrows (left, right). Again using intersection arrows you can maximize your pathways at 12 (center).

Arrow Maze starting options explained — Arrow Maze START options

The summary for these options is that the farther from a corner/edge you place the START. the more options you have.

Let’s look at 6 additional examples with some more complicated STARTs.

Double Arrows: Our first example uses a forced start (there is only 1 choice), but if you want to lead a solver back to the START you can use a Double Arrow to get there (in this case over a gap). The second example uses all 3 blocks as OUT pathways, but uses 2 double arrows to get the solver back to START if they take an incorrect choice. Another way to achieve this, meaning using every block as an OUT pathway from START is to use a RETURN TO START block somewhere in the maze.

Forced Starts: You can use the shape of the maze to create forced moves. The first two examples in row 2 below only allow 1 move, while the third example gives you 2 options. Basically you are placing the START in a position that limits the choices.

Arrow Maze starting options - forced start explanations

You have a lot of options with the START block. Consider the difficulty you want with your maze when you place your START block.

And now a Special case…..the Slide Arrow, which will be a part of a future case study. A slide arrow allows you to slide to any block that it is pointing towards (but not over any gaps)….so using a slide arrow really gives you many additional options. Check how quickly the numbers get large…basically however wide or tall the maze is !!

Slide Arrow Maze starting options explanation

Coming up next in Part 2 - Using Creative Shapes, where we will examine what shapes can be used to create an Arrow Maze !

Get Lost in the Fun: Gift Items for Maze Lovers

November 25, 2021

So you know somebody who loves mazes or labyrinths and you want to give them the perfect gift. That would be one of my maze books (or three) !!! Ok, ok so maybe there are other options. Today let’s take a look at some items I found on Etsy that would make a great gift for a maze lover that are not books. Items change often on Etsy, but they always seem to have a great selection of maze and labyrinth items for sale. Use these for inspiration !

1. Fleece Marble Maze by itsthesmallthings

If you aren’t familiar with textile marble mazes (this one is made from fleece), they are mazes sewn into a fabric that has just enough space to allow a marble to be guided thru it. Perfect for young maze enthusiasts. This particular fleece maze comes in 11 solid colors. Makes a nice stocking stuffer.

2. Puzzle Box Maze (Russian Doll Puzzle) by Backcorner3D

A really cool maze that has a dual purpose - you solve it and you get access to the inner part of the maze - a great place to give a small gift like money money money (or a note on a piece of paper). Or a scavenger hunt, or (lots of things). Come in a variety of colors, 17 by my count, and with 2 difficult levels, Easy or Hard. Also has a TON of 5 start reviews !!! Stocking stuffer ?

3. Wooden Maze Toy by DrapelaWoodworks

Made with red oak and measures 12.75 inches long by 9 inches wide. This seller is very large and is known for their high quality products. You can customize the item with a name on the back. Looks like a fun item for people of all ages.

4. Maze themed jewelry - assorted vendors

If you know someone who likes handmade jewelry and also are a maze enthusiast this might be the gift for them ! There are hundreds of items to choose from and they go out of stock quickly because of the low number of pieces available. Here is an example of what was available when I searched. Lots of labyrinths and always Native American themed Man in the maze. Rings, necklaces, broches, pendants; they have them all.

5. A Wooden Finger Labyrinth by Westlandco

Looks wonderful and can be inscribed on the back with a personal message. Perfect for those that use labyrinths for more spiritual uses rather than a puzzles/games. Finger labyrinths are used for meditation, relaxation, prayer, and concentration.