*Showcased at the Cade Museum for Creativity & Innovation*

Rootshare

Design Fiction / 2026


I designed and modeled a device that stores and retrieves binary data from (plant) DNA, intended for external file storage.

Concept

In a future increasingly reliant on technology, humanity reaches a critical juncture between fully rejecting or embracing natural systems. Inspired by the similarity of natural and digital structures, I sought to investigate how product design can bridge the gap humanity has widened between ourselves and the Earth.

Research

Rootshare was born from investigations into Lindenmayer systems, hydroponic gardening, file structure and storage, and genetic engineering. Notable inspiration came from The Algorithmic Beauty of Plants, Hiding Data in DNA, and Data Garden. The Binary to DNA system is sourced entirely from Hiding Data in DNA.

Product Design

Rootshare consists of a computer base and removable vase for plant storage that doubles as a touchscreen interface. The design is simple and organic, emphasizing the beauty of the plant’s fractal root structure through the materiality of glass and the placement of the user interface.