Boulderball

Training Tool and Game for Boulderball

The smallest bouldering wall in the world. Boulderball is the first combined training tool and game specifically made for climbers, finger-strength training and climbing technique. Inspired by climbers, the Boulderball packs an ideal climb-training tool and fidgeting game for climbers into a small ball that can be brought along everywhere. Through an innovative assembling system (plug and play) the climbing holds keep the structure together and provide the connection points for the primary structure.

Download Press Kit № 156938

Download Press Kit № 156938 Training Tool and Game for Boulderball by Martin Oberhauser to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

Available Now for Your Next Story

At design|newsroom, we understand the pressures and deadlines journalists face. That’s why we offer exclusive access to our curated press kits and high-resolution images, tailored for accredited journalists. These resources are designed to enrich your stories with depth and visual appeal, spotlighting the world's most innovative designs.

Please Note:

• Credit the work's creator and/or photographer.
• Mention design|newsroom as your source.
• Share your published pieces with us; we love to celebrate and promote your work on our platform and social media.

Let’s Collaborate: Your stories matter. design|newsroom is here to support you with quality, accessible content. Once you are accredited, reach out for the images and content you need. We will provide the specific images and content directly, along with recommendations on works to feature.

Get Accredited Easily: Quick access to our resources requires media accreditation. Apply for media accreditation to join our network and start exploring a wealth of design stories.

Boulderball by Martin Oberhauser

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Training Tool and Game by Martin Oberhauser

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Martin Oberhauser Boulderball

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Martin Oberhauser Training Tool and Game

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Martin Oberhauser Designer Portrait Photo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

BoulderballBrand Logo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Unique Properties

The smallest bouldering wall in the world Boulderball, the first combined training tool and game specifically made for climbers, finger-strength training and climbing technique. Inspired by climbers, the Boulderball packs an ideal climb-training tool and fidgeting game for climbers into a small ball that can be brought along everywhere.

Tags

game, training tool, boulderball, studiooberhauser, climb

Production Technology

Injection molding made in Italy. The primary structure consists solely of a uniform element held together by the handles. The Boulderball is made of the probably most versatile plastic on the market due to its heat resistance and moisture and chemical barriers. It is a product growing in recyclable popularity and can be recycled to create hard-wearing plastic materials such as bins, handles, cases etc.

Design Challenge

The difficulty was finding a design that would reduce production costs, enabling the product to be manufactured in Italy.

Project Duration

The project started in Bolzano in 2022 and finished in Bolzano in 2023.

Operation Flow

Boulderball teaches you problem solving. The playing cards are inspired by the greatest climbing routes on the world's most difficult peaks. The cards set your next steps and can be used to challenge yourself or your friends, teaching you new handgrips and problem solving. Different climbing holds of different shapes and sizes guide you through the route to the end point. Strength, conditioning and finger-technique can thus be trained on the go, whether at home, in the office, at school or as warm-up before a climbing session. With Boulderball, for the first time ever, climbers are enabled to closely observe and analyze finger-technique, positioning and efficiency through a small, lightweight and super portable climbing gadget. Just throw it into your backpack and use it to boulder it all, with the Boulderball.

Research

Boulderball is a strategic and cognitive game derived from bouldering training, aimed at improving mental acuity and physical dexterity. Developed by experts in sports science and cognitive science, this game uniquely combines physical engagement with cognitive challenges to enhance creativity, concentration, and finger grip strength. Manufactured in Italy, its innovative design allows for cost-effective production without compromising quality. The game has undergone extensive testing with both world-class climbing athletes and children, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness in training across all ages. Boulderball's compact and portable nature makes it an ideal tool for climbers of all levels, facilitating an accessible and engaging approach to climbing training.

Inspiration

Bouldering is not just about physical strength; it requires the creativity to identify the shortest route, the strength to keep fingers on the holds, and the concentration to focus on the fingertips of both hands and feet. These are skills necessary not just for bouldering but for people of all ages, though daily training is needed to develop them. The rules of Boulderball are simple: use up to three fingers to move the ball to the designated hold parts without dropping it. The surface of Boulderball features variously sized and textured hold parts designed to be supported just with fingertips, mimicking the sensation of actual bouldering. A significant level of fingertip strength is required, as well as a sophisticated balance sense. Like bouldering, the tension remains high until the goal is reached because a small mistake can cause the ball to fall. The round structure of the Boulderball is the canvas for eight different climbing routes, specifically designed for different skill levels and climbing techniques. The routes on the Boulderball are all color coded and match a set of playing cards which serve as guides for the game. The playing cards are inspired by the greatest climbing routes on the world's most difficult peaks. The cards set your next steps and can be used to challenge yourself or your friends, teaching you new handgrips.

Image Credits

Image #1: ©studiooberhauser, Image #2: ©boulderball, Image #3: ©studiooberhauser, Image #4: ©studiooberhauser, Image #5:©Lukas Kahn

Project Overview

Boulderball Training Tool and Game has been a Iron winner in the Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

Martin Oberhauser was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Boulderball Training Tool and Game.

Martin Oberhauser Newsroom

Find inspiration and award-winning creativity within the Martin Oberhauser Newsroom.