Australian owned business, Ponder Designs Co is working with emerging artists to launch a range of topical puzzles that trigger meaningful conversations.

Ponder Designs Co was born out of frustration with the lack of modern puzzles worthy of display and people’s reluctance to slow down and simply ‘ponder’.

Yale University research has found jigsaw puzzles to be a great brain workout and results in improved collaboration and cooperation. Additional studies show involvement in puzzles can promote memory retention and reduce the likelihood of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The unique packaging echoes the aesthetics of a coffee table book with the illustrations centred on different cultural, social and political issues.

The launch collection features three meaningful topics – Body Talk referencing body ideals and societal expectations, Consumption Culture reflecting a reliance on new things and I Need Space commenting on the increasing need to break away from an ‘always on’ lifestyle.

Each puzzle comes with a bespoke Spotify playlist, complementing the puzzle theme and helping people switch off.

Creative strategist, Georgia Patch came up with the idea of Ponder in January 2020, influenced by her 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,” she said.

“At the same time, I felt there were no puzzles on the market that appealed to me style-wise so the packaging is stylish and unique enough for flaunting.”

Alessandra Poli, an interior designer by trade, is the illustrative talent behind the first Ponder Designs Co puzzle illustrations.

“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,” Poli said.

For each sale, Ponder Designs Co. is donating $1 to Khan Academy; a not-for-profit charity whose mission is to provide free, world-class education.

Ponder Designs Co. puzzles are currently available for purchase at www.ponderdesigns.co, Abode Bondi, Opus Paddington and Edicole Bookstand Perth for RRP from $59.