«Word for Word”—a modular charm kit made from three-dimensional letters.
Concept
«Word for Word» is a modular keychain kit made of 3D letters designed from a proprietary typeface. Each participant assembles their own word by stringing the letters onto a cord and can change it at any time. Participants can exchange letters with others, devise new combinations, and build words for one another.
This project transforms typography into a tool for connection: instead of needing to come up with a conversation topic, participants begin engaging through the selection of letters and the creation of words. The individual keychains become part of a collective typographic composition—a shared statement that gradually forms from the words of different people.
Structure
The keychain consists of volumetric letter beads, a cord, and a hanging clasp. The geometry of the letters echoes the plasticity of the designer’s modular typeface, and the vibrant colors allow for expressive combinations. The letters can be strung in various orders, rearranged, and combined to create custom words.
Use Case Scenario
The participant selects letters and assembles a word—a name, a mood, or a concept that resonates with them. If a desired letter is unavailable, they can find it from another participant and trade for it. Thus, the construction process becomes an opportunity for connection and conversation. In the end, participants combine their words into a single typographic composition, and everyone takes home a keepsake charm from the event.
Materials and Production
The letters are manufactured as individual volumetric modules with holes for threading onto a cord. When designing, it is important to maintain the recognizability of the letters in three dimensions, ensure ease of assembly, and guarantee reliable attachment.
Material Description:
1) Letters—Matte PLA (polylactide) plastic for 3D printing. It is safe and odorless during printing. The colors remain stable, and the matte surface conceals the print layers. A palette of 4 colors, such as red, yellow, blue, and green.
2) Cord—3mm polyester paracord. It is strong, non-stretchy, and the ends can be melted with a lighter so they do not fray.
3) Hardware—Metal (zinc alloy or steel) with a nickel plating.
The letters are manufactured using FDM 3D printing, with a 0.4 mm nozzle, a 0.2 mm layer height, three perimeters, and a 15–20% infill. Each 30×30 mm letter, with a thickness of 15 mm, is printed lying on its back, face up. Up to 36 letters can fit on the 220×220 mm printer bed in a single print. One letter weighs approximately 5–8 g and takes about 30–40 minutes to print.
Source Files
The production 3D model in Blender is in the «Arbatova» folder on the Temp drive.
