Shae Laufenberg

Ponic
This project explores how design can foster meaningful connections between people and nature by integrating natural systems into indoor environments. Grounded in research on well-being, biodiversity, and symbiosis.
My objective was to design a beginner-friendly product that supports plant growth and promotes relaxation through a calming, biophilic experience.
“We will never be healthy, satisfied, or fulfilled if we live apart and alienated from the environment from which we evolved.”
— Stephen R. Kellert (known as a father of biophilic design)

Mood Board
Objective:
To develop a beginner-friendly, biophilic product for indoor spaces.
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The final design will address emotional needs by providing access to nature in indoor environments and filter water effectively through multistage filtration.
This is the most beginner friendly option on the market it easily integrates with existing aquarium set up & has intuitive features to ensure both plants and fish in system are healthy.
How Plants Benefit an Aquarium's Ecosystem:

Fish waste = ammonia
Plants absorb nitrates
Bacteria converts ammonia to nitrates

Problems in Existing Designs
Size
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Inadequate Lighting
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Price vs. Quality
Lack of Modularity
​Design Criteria
Beginner-Friendly Compatible w/ Standard Aquariums Intuitive Features
Final Concept:

Open Spots in Top for Plant Cups
Tube Vertically pulls in Water

Design Features

Intuitive & Easy
Slider for Feeding

Intuitive Plant Insertion




Four-Stage Filtration
Adjustable Top LEDs
can be made taller for plants like bamboo

can be made shorter for plants like pothos

