The Designer Puzzles is the official online shop for Manqube, the independent puzzle design practice of Manish Rathod.

Based in Ahmedabad, India, Manish Rathod is a self-taught twisty puzzle designer, maker and collector. What began in 2017 with the purchase of a Rubik’s Cube at the age of 45 gradually developed into a passion for designing, making and collecting unusual mechanical puzzles.

Under the name Manqube, Manish has created more than 150 twisty puzzle designs and counting, exploring geometry, shape, movement and unconventional mechanisms. His work ranges from completely original inventions to his own handmade interpretations and modifications of existing puzzle concepts created by other designers. Each category is approached with respect for its origins and with a strong focus on design, engineering, craftsmanship and the experience of solving.

Some puzzles available through The Designer Puzzles are original Manqube inventions. Others are puzzles that Manish has designed and made himself based on existing puzzle concepts. These are not presented as original inventions, but as part of his wider work as a puzzle maker and designer.

Two of Manish’s original designs have also made the transition from independent design to commercial production: Manish Hexacopter and Manish Cubo-Copter Plus, both manufactured by Calvin’s Puzzle and distributed internationally.

The Designer Puzzles is where collectors and puzzle enthusiasts can discover and purchase these creations. Depending on the puzzle, an edition may be individually handmade in Ahmedabad or produced as a commercially manufactured edition.

For Manish, twisty puzzles are more than objects to solve. They are a meeting point of geometry, mechanics, creativity and craftsmanship. Some begin as an idea on paper, some emerge from experimentation at the workbench, and some evolve through countless attempts to make a mechanism work.

Designed and made in Ahmedabad, India. Collected around the world.

Whether you are looking for an original Manqube invention, a handmade puzzle, or a commercially produced edition of one of Manish’s designs, The Designer Puzzles is a place to explore his work and add it to your collection.

Here is what twisty puzzle collectors say

“The puzzles are beautiful and well constructed.”
— David Burns ★★★★★ Google Review
“Very impressed with the quality. They turn incredibly smoothly and look gorgeous. Highly recommend to any puzzle collector.”
— James Gille ★★★★★ Google Review
“Turns super smoothly. The collision-free design means zero bandaging. Stellar puzzle.”
— Max M., United States ★★★★★ TheCubicle
“A must-have for any collection.”
— Jorge D.C.R., Spain ★★★★★

The story behind the puzzles

Manish has also written a book about this journey. One Turn at a Time: How a Rubik’s Cube at 45 Changed Everything is available on Amazon and Flipkart.

“An example that it is never too late to start your life projects.” — Jordi, Spain ★★★★★

“A genuinely touching memoir which just happens to be about twisty puzzles.” — L21, United Kingdom ★★★★★