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2026 Galleries // 2026 Spark: Spring Student // Pico

Pico

Winner - Silver

Competition: Spark: Spring Student
Designer: Yeongseo Lee
Design Type:
Company / Organization / School: Korea Design Membership Plus
Team Members: Yeongseo Lee, Jiho Park, Aram Shim & Hyeonggyun Han

PICO begins with the quiet uncertainty many beginners feel after bringing home their first plant. What starts as excitement can quickly turn into confusion, because plants do not clearly tell us what they need. Beginners may want to care for them well, but without enough knowledge, even simple decisions such as watering, sunlight, or soil care can feel difficult. As a result, many people notice problems only after the plant has already weakened.

Rather than treating plant care as a task that requires expertise, PICO makes it more approachable and intuitive. It is designed as a small companion that stays close to the plant, quietly observing changes that users would normally miss.The main body gives intuitive feedback through movement and light. When the plant lacks sunlight, PICO lowers its head and emits an orange light. When the plant needs water, it lowers its head and emits a blue light. These simple signals help users understand the plant’s needs at a glance.

The concept, “A Tiny Gardener for Your First Plant,” reflects PICO’s role as a gentle guide inside the pot. It protects not only the plant itself, but also the user’s first promise to nurture a living thing. Through this experience, plant care becomes less about fear of failure and more about building confidence, attachment, and daily care habits.

PICO also responds to the problem of unnecessary plant disposal. When plants die from missed care or late responses, users often replace them, creating repeated consumption of plants, pots, soil, and packaging. By helping plants stay healthy for longer, PICO supports a more sustainable and emotionally meaningful way to live with greenery.