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Earlier today I wrote about ambigrams, a type of writing that is designed to be read in more than one way. Typically, an ambigram is a word or phrase that has left-right mirror symmetry, or reads the same upside down. (To read the article click here.)

I set the following challenge – scroll down to see designs by ambigram author (and public intellectual) Douglas Hofstadter and by readers of this column.

Flipping words

Design an ambigram for the following words:

1. DAVE

2. OHIO

3. UTAH

4. RED

5. Your own name

First, here are Hofstadter’s designs, taken from his latest book, Ambigrammia.

1.

And another Dave:

2.

3.

4.is above the headline, and here is his name:

Thanks to all the readers who sent it examples. Here are my favourites:

Ambigrammia by Douglas Hofstadter, with an introduction by Scott Kim, is out now on Yale University Press.

I’ve been setting a puzzle here on alternate Mondays since 2015. I’m always on the look-out for great puzzles. If you would like to suggest one, email me.