Designing a Rubik’s Cube solution infographic

October 15, 2006

Every project is a unique puzzle waiting to be solved. And what better way to exemplify this than by delving into the intricacies of the iconic Rubik’s Cube? Here is an infographic I produced for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune sometime ago that details the complexities of solving the popular puzzle.

First Layer

Goal: Solve the first layer. Its top should be all white, and the other colors along its edge should match one another.

Step 1: Form a White Cross

A flat diagram of a Rubik's Cube, showing a white cross formed on the first layer.

Position the cube so that the white centerpiece faces up. Move each of the four white edge pieces up into the first layer using the following algorithms. For an explanation of the letters in the algorithms, see the legend at the top of this webpage. An x on each illustration shows the final position of the piece after using an algorithm.

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube that shows the first step in forming the white cross.

T'-R-T

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube that shows the second step in forming the white cross.

T-T-R-T'-T'

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube that shows the third step in forming the white cross.

T-R-T'

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube that shows the fourth step in forming the white cross.

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube that shows the fifth step in forming the white cross.

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube that shows the sixth step in forming the white cross.

T'-F'-T

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube that shows the seventh step in forming the white cross.

T-T-F'-T'-T'

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube that shows the eighth step in forming the white cross.

T-F'-T'

What if an edge piece is in the top or bottom layer?

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube that shows the first edge case when forming the white cross.

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube that shows the second edge case when forming the white cross.

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube that shows the third edge case when forming the white cross.

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube that shows the fourth edge case when forming the white cross.

Perform F or F' moves to bring the edge piece into the middle layer. Then use the appropriate algorithm listed above.

Step 2: Solve the Corners

A flat diagram of a Rubik's Cube, showing the white side solved.

Flip the cube over so that the yellow centerpiece faces up. Then find a corner piece that has white and is in the top layer. Use T or T' moves to relocate it directly above its target position, then use one of the following algorithms to put the piece into place. Repeat this process for the remaining three corner pieces.

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube, showing the first scenario and the goal for the first white corner

T-R-T'-R'

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube, showing the second scenario and the goal for the first white corner

T'-F'-T-F

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube, showing the third scenario and the goal for the first white corner

T'-F'-T-F

What if a corner piece is in the bottom layer but not oriented correctly?

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube, showing the fourth scenario and the goal for the first white corner

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube, showing the fifth scenario and the goal for the first white corner

Use this algorithm: R-T-R'-T'. It will bring the piece to the top layer. Then use one of the algorithms listed above to put the piece back down into the right spot.

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube with the second layer completed.

Middle Layer

Goal: Move four edge pieces into the middle layer, matching the colors on each piece with the centerpieces on the sides of the cube.

Look for edge pieces that do not have a yellow sticker on them. Position each piece, first using T or T' moves to put it on the desired side, and then using one of the following algorithms.

These slightly lengthier algorithms will preserve the positions of the pieces in the layer you already solved.

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube that shows a first scenario in solving middle edge pieces.

T-R-T'-R'-T'-F'-T-F

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube that shows a second scenario in solving middle edge pieces.

T'-L'-T-L-T-F-T'-F'

What if the edge piece you want to place is already in the middle layer but not oriented correctly?

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube that shows a third scenario in solving middle edge pieces.

Use one of the previous algorithms to temporarily switch the piece with another piece in the top layer. Then proceed to reposition it correctly.

A diagram of a Rubik's Cube with all layers completed.

Final Layer

Goal: Solve the Rubik’s Cube by completing the last phase, which has four steps.

Step 1: Orient the Edge Pieces

A flat diagram of a Rubik's Cube, showing a yellow cross formed on the final layer.

Use the following six-move algorithm to get the yellow on all the edge pieces facing up.

A diagram showing stages during a six-move algorithm used to position the yellow edge pieces of a Rubik's Cube.

R'-T'-F'-T-F-R

Step 2: Orient the Corner Pieces

A flat diagram of a Rubik's Cube, showing the yellow side solved.

Repeat the following eight-move algorithm until the yellow on all the corner pieces is facing up.

A diagram showing stages during an eight-move algorithm used to position the yellow corner pieces of a Rubik's Cube.

R-T-R'-T-R-T-T-R'-T-T

Step 3: Position the Corner Pieces

A flat diagram of a Rubik's Cube, showing the yellow corner pieces in the respective positions.

Use the following 13-move algorithm to swap the positions of two corner pieces. Repeat until all four corner pieces are in their correct places.

A diagram showing the goal a thirteen-move algorithm used to swap the positions of two yellow corner pieces of a Rubik's Cube.

R'-F-R'-B-B-R-F'-R'-B-B-R-R-T'

Step 4: Position the Edge Pieces

A flat diagram of a Rubik's Cube, showing the yellow edge pieces in their proper positions.

Use the following 12-move algorithm to move the edge pieces into their final positions.

A diagram showing the stages of a twelve-move algorithm used to finish positioning the yellow edges pieces of a Rubik's Cube.

R-R-T-R-T-R'-T'-R'-T'-R'-T-R'

Jacob Benison, Information Graphic, Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 15 October 2006 (Print Edition)

About the project

Research & sketching. After conducting research, sketching allowed me to explore different combinations and visualize potential solutions. I experimented with various layouts and graphic elements.

Vector graphics. After solidifying some concepts, I crafted scalable and visually precise vector graphics using Adobe Illustrator. Vector graphics allow for scalability and crisp visuals.

Layout design. Creating the final layout, I carefully considered several aspects, including the placement of each element in the infographic, the hierarchy of its information, and its flow.

On the web. In adding this project to my portfolio, I transformed the graphic from something static, designed for newspaper printing, to a responsive web asset. HTML, CSS, and SVG markup allow users to view the story on a variety of screen sizes.