Minima Smiley by Frederic Boucher

Frederic Boucher has been crafting Minima after Minima design where he works to design a packing puzzle within a 2 by 2 by 3 box where either the solver has to fit in a set of pieces, or figure out how to take them out. He used to number them, but after reaching #14 which developed into a full blown sequential discovery puzzle (Jammed Gem), they've spiraled out into other names and really stretching the original packing concept of a Minima. At this point, the total number of Minima designs is anywhere from 30 to 40 of them and I wouldn't be surprised to be mistaken and is actually a much higher number than that.

Minima Smiley is one such deviation from the original packing design where instead of trying to fit pieces into the box, the solver has to take out the pieces and free the ball from within the box. It's also made by Tye from Nothing Yet Designs who does an excellent job of bringing Frederic's designs to life in acrylic and wood. I strongly believe if it wasn't for Tye, most of Frederic's designs would never exist in more than a handful of personal copies made by himself for himself. I appreciate Tye's efforts so I can enjoy this lovely pocket-sized puzzle that made me smile!