Who does not want a good challenge? Throughout the ages, puzzles have been important parts of our human experience. A puzzle is merely a problem, a simple question, or a challenge. It is intended to challenge the mind, our senses and our ingenuity to solve complicated problems either in logistical or mathematical nature. Successful resolution can sometimes be attributed to mathematics.
One of the most popular types of puzzles to have ever graced the world is the Jigsaw puzzle. Its origins have been dated around 1760 where a London-based map maker and engraver decided to mount a map on wood, cut it and used it in teaching geography to children. The idea became a hit and ever since, jigsaw puzzles have become essential educational tools, even today. Of course, the wealth of puzzles for educational purposes has become expansive and now, there are unique kinds of puzzles to test kids. Some puzzles are open-ended while others offer a specific conclusion.
The Rubik's cube has become one of the most popular puzzles in the 20th century. It was developed in 1974 by Hungarian professor, Erno Rubik. Its popularity and unique challenge to the user has become a sensation especially in the 1980s. before, the main goal of solving the Rubik's cube is to match all same colored tiles on all sides, but then, speed was included in the equation, amplifying the challenge and even today, competitions are being held dedicated to solving the cube in record time.
Word puzzles come in all forms, providing groups of people and individual players a fun activity or past time at home, school or work. From crossword puzzles, word finding puzzles, and pictograms, from ancient times to the information age, word puzzles are still highly popular especially for English-speaking populations. A lot of regional adaptations have been made throughout the years.
The popularity of puzzles paved way to tons of adventure, suspense and action movies and games. From the death-defying puzzles games in notable games like Tomb Raider, the adventures of Indiana Jones, to the mystery clues of Sherlock Holmes, the idea of problem solving has been reinvented several times, creating an almost cynical look at the world today. Complexities of puzzles are highly used in Hollywood films and are also adapted in numerous games. There is a challenge in creating a puzzle and when executed flawlessly, gives both the creator and the player an exhilarating experience.
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