Microdesign E: Anagram Rings

This article is an example, method, technique or idea related to my concept of microdesign. If you’re new here, or want a refresher, read my article on the basis of microdesign.

I’m happy to point out another fashion blogger engaging in microdesign today. The wonderfully creative Ali-bell has released a new product in her shop; anagram rings.

Anagram Rings

Besides being well constructed and aesthetically pleasing (I really like the wooden grain in black against the gold letter, but that’s personal preference), both the purchasing and wearing of these rings provide excellent examples of microdesign.

Doing some quick combinatorics, we find that there are a huge number of sets of rings one could buy. A quick rundown of the numbers (if you’re playing at home, don’t forget to account for duplicates, and that order doesn’t matter):

If you buy 1 ring you have 26 choices.
If you buy 2 rings you have 351 choices.
If you buy 3 rings you have 3276 choices.
If you buy 4 rings you have 23751 choices.

If anyone is interested, I derived a formula for this in general (post in the comments if you want to see it).

Regardless of the mathematics behind it, it’s clear that we’ve got a lot of options! The number of different ways to purchase nearly ensures that no two people will buy the same set (disregarding the fact that people are unlikely to purchase say, QVK). Thus, immediately a value of individuality is generated (not to mention the fact that the pieces are homemade, and thus individual in their own right). You’re not going to run into another person wearing these pieces. Then, the ability to choose a clearly expressed though with your letter selection provides an opportunity for buyer design input.

Finally, once you purchase a set of ring, there are several different ways to wear them (in terms of the verbal order). Generically, (that is, disregarding duplicate letters, and assuming you don’t omit any), there are n! different ways to organize a set of n rings on your hand (for reference, 1!=1 2!=2, 3!=6, 4!=24, 5!=120,…), a huge array of different design choices. Again, in true microdesign fashion, this provides numerous visual looks for the price (money and materials) of one.

You can purchase this wonderful idea at Ali-bell’s Etsy shop. Kudos on some great work!

-Barry