Shae Laufenberg
Products
Ponic
Project Type: Product Design
Open-ended investigation into how design can improve everyday life - by creating systems or experiences that bring people closer to what they truly need.
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My design objective was to explore how to create a symbiotic relationship between plants and fish, resulting in a beginner-friendly, biophilic product for indoor environments. Intended to promote relaxation and help users reconnect with nature within their daily spaces.
Cutting with Care
Project Type: Product Design - Manufacturing Collaboration
Created to help young children safely explore the kitchen, this design resulted in a multi-stage cutting tool tailored for ages 3–5. The product introduces cooking through a 4-stage blade system, allowing kids to build skills gradually while staying engaged through sensory-focused design.
Safety and ergonomics were at the core of every design decision, from material selection to form development. Close collaboration with Iowa State Engineers ensured the tool could be efficiently manufactured without compromising on child-friendly features. The final outcome supports confidence, coordination, and family bonding - turning kitchen time into a safe and educational experience.
Loopita
Project Type: Product Design
This exploration of the intersection between social media and physical forms combines concepts from Facebook with furniture design. I created a custom version of the Loopita (a sculptural, looping lounge chair) designed to reflect the way people connect, scroll, and engage with content online.
The continuous loop of the chair symbolizes the endless feed of social media, while its shared seating encourages connection and interaction, much like Facebook's original purpose. This piece blends physical comfort with digital culture, exemplifying the intersection of design innovation and brand alignment, showcasing how furniture can transcend its ordinary function to create meaningful social experiences.
HydroGuard
Project Type: Product Design
Exploration of biophilic design through aquarium attachment that promotes biodiversity, helps users relax, and filters water effectively.
My design objective was to create an aquarium attachment that serves as a visually appealing alternative to traditional filters — one that efficiently moves and purifies water, functions as a secure lid to reduce evaporation, and incorporates space for hydroponic plants, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetic of the aquarium.
