A Background to the Fascinating World of Jigsaw Puzzles

In the world of puzzles, a jigsaw puzzle is known to be the most straightforward yet the hardest puzzles to solve. Jigsaw puzzles also boast for its users of all ages ranging from 12 months to 120 years old (or as old as you may live).

A simple picture cut using a block made of multiple pieces of two interlocking blocks known as male and female block sets. Then jumbled and given to the solver to re-create the image using the reference image is the basis of the puzzle. Kids’ Jigsaw puzzles targeted at ages 1-3 may have pieces ranging from 5 to 20. They come in bigger puzzle blocks for easier identification of the puzzle area to be solved. Adult Jigsaw puzzles which are targeted for anyone above age 6, comes in 500, 1000, 4000, and upto 40,000+ pieces. ‘Memorable Disney Moments’ is the largest jigsaw puzzle in the world presently with over 40,000 pieces as acknowledged by Guinness World Records.

Why jigsaw puzzles are important?

Recent research into cognitive development of children and adults, emphasized the effectiveness of Jigsaw puzzles. It is highly effective in developing the cognitive aspects of people of all ages. For example, in fitting a 1000 piece puzzle, to fit the first piece the brain takes into account a recollection of 999 images to fit to the first piece. Successful attempts cause the release of dopamine hormone. Dopamine hormone is the feeling of accomplishment. Higher the dopamine, higher the level of alertness, focus, creativity, long-term memory and concentration.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, jigsaw puzzles saw a rise in its demand with lockdowns worldwide. Some jigsaw puzzle companies saw a demand increase of 100%, with an output of 2 million puzzles per month. New companies such as Jigsawfy, comes into the market with the innovative idea of customization of images. Most puzzles come with pre-printed images and the customer has to be content with what is in stock. Customized Jigsaw puzzles for adults were first introduced in Sri Lanka by Jigsawfy and now shipping worldwide using their online shop jigsawfy.com.

In this article series we aim to introduce you to the fascinating world of jigsaw puzzles. Ranging from types of jigsaw puzzles available, benefits of jigsaw puzzles, the methods of solving different types of puzzles as well as ways to improve cognitive abilities via the multitude of puzzles available.