A recent Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) product design graduate will showcase his capstone project at one of the world’s leading design events this fall.
Brian Patterson’s project BioFilix — a kinetic sculpture that communicates the health and needs of houseplants by changing its form — was selected for exhibition at Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
“A chance to showcase a project internationally is truly humbling. With the potential of interacting with over 300,000 people, I am also terrified,” says Patterson, a 2026 graduate of the Bachelor of Design, Product Design program in the Wilson School of Design at KPU. “But I know that the feedback I get and the experiences I have over there will provide a lifetime of inspiration and questions for me to delve into.”
BioFilix is a wooden structure that uses a wireless sensor to monitor soil moisture in a houseplant. As moisture levels change, the structure shifts between an open form — about 60 by 40 centimetres in size — and a smaller curled form, providing a visual reminder that can make plant care more accessible.
In researching the impacts of rapid urbanization, Patterson found a rise of biophobia — a strong aversion to aspects of the natural world.
“Through various courses at KPU, I learned about the concept of ambient information, data visualization and the need to avoid paternalism in the creation of behavioural nudges. I wanted to create an object that could communicate that nature isn’t scary, in a clear, simple and non-judgmental manner,” says Patterson, who now works as a freelance designer while continuing to refine BioFilix.
At Dutch Design Week, Patterson’s project will be showcased alongside others that take inspiration from nature and promote sustainability. BioFilix connects with those themes by drawing its form and movement from natural processes, using largely natural and repairable materials and encouraging conversations about environmental challenges through a nature-inspired design.
“My hope is that others will find wonder and inspiration from this form and appreciate the opportunity to reflect on their own connection with nature,” he says.
Iryna Karaush, product design program chair and instructor, says Patterson’s work stands out for bridging physical and digital space.
“A wireless sensor reads something invisible, soil moisture, and translates it into a form you can see and feel change shape in your hands. That’s a harder design problem than a screen or an app, and it builds awareness of your connection to a living thing, not just a notification about it.”
Karaush adds Patterson traced the problem back to a broader issue.
“As we live more of our lives in cities, we lose touch with the natural world, and that distance breeds real unease. Biofilix responds to that without lecturing anyone, using materials that can be repaired rather than replaced. That’s exactly the kind of thinking we try to build in our students — understand the deeper problem before you design the object,” she says.
Dutch Design Week, taking place from Oct. 17 to 25, is one of Europe's largest design events, presenting work and ideas of more than 2,600 designers to 335,000 visitors.
The Bachelor of Design, Product Design program at the Wilson School of Design at KPU prepares students for work as product designers and entrepreneurs. Students develop a holistic skill set through interdisciplinary education, blending design, business and marketing.
