Modern jigsaw puzzles aligned to culture, encouraging you to ponder, while you puzzle.
Ponder Designs Co. is sprucing up the humble jigsaw puzzle with a line of illustrated topical puzzles by emerging artists to trigger meaningful conversations and packaging designed to be flaunted on your coffee table.
An Australian owned business, Ponder Designs Co. was born out of a frustration with the lack of modern puzzles worthy of display and society’s reluctance to slow down and simply ponder.
The unique packaging echoes the aesthetics of a coffee table book, while the illustrations are centred on different cultural, social and political issues; to ultimately create a range of puzzles with substance.
The Ponder Designs Co. launch collection features three meaningful topics. “Body Talk” referencing body ideals and societal expectations of body image, “Consumption Culture” which stresses our reliance on new things to make us happy, and “I Need Space” commenting on the increasing need to break away from our ‘always on’ lifestyles.
Research by Yale University reveals jigsaw puzzles are in fact a good brain workout while joint engagement in solving puzzles results in improved collaboration and cooperation. Additionally, studies show that involvement in puzzles can promote memory retention and reduce the likelihood of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Ponder was concepted in January 2020 by Georgia Patch who is a creative strategist with passion for products with real purpose and meaning.
“Ponder Designs Co. is on a mission to help the world fall back in love with meaningful downtime. Rather than mindlessly scrolling social media I thought I could turn puzzles into an activity with substance by aligning each puzzle to an interesting issue. At the same time, I felt there were no puzzles on the market that appealed to my style-wise so the packaging is stylish and unique enough for flaunting.”
Committed to supporting artistic talent, Ponder Designs Co. partners with emerging artists for each line of puzzles. Alessandra Poli, an interior designer by trade is the illustrative talent behind the first puzzle illustrations.
Alessandra Poli said: “As soon as I heard about the concept behind Ponder Designs Co. I couldn’t wait to be involved. I love creating a fun, design aesthetic that encapsulates a range of themes relevant to today’s society. The beloved jigsaw has been reincarnated to not only provoke stimulating discussion but as a chic book that can sit proudly on the coffee table.”
For each sale, Ponder Designs Co. is donating one dollar (AUD) to Khan Academy. A not-for-profit charity whose mission is to provide free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.