# Petri Dish-Inspired Jigsaws The Radial Puzzle is Inspired by Organic Crystal Growth Patterns By Meghan Young | Published 2012-05-10 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radial-puzzle References: [design-milk](http://design-milk.com/generative-jigsaw-puzzles-by-nervous-system/) & [n-e-r-v-o-u-s](http://n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com/) The Radial Puzzle is a modern interpretation of the [classic jigsaw puzzle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harry-potter-jigsaw-puzzle). It combines the classic hand-crafted creation with custom software technology. This technology simulates dendritic solidification, a crystal growth resembling snowflake formations, creating an interlocking organic pattern that is then converted into a complex Radial Puzzle. Designed by Jessica Rosenkrantz and Jesse Louis-Rosenberg of Massachusetts-based studio [Nervous System](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lizard-infinity-puzzle), each Radial Puzzle is one-of-a-kind, just like an actual snowflake. The finished designs, which are created by artist Jonathan McCabe, are then laser cut to form a finished wooden puzzle. Made out of birch plywood, the Radial Puzzle is a veritable petri dish. Inspired by microscopic life, each individual piece represents a microorganism that interlocks with others to form something larger than itself. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Custom Software Technology:** Combining custom software technology with traditional jigsaw puzzle creation presents opportunities for creating unique and personalized puzzle experiences. - **Dendritic Solidification:** Simulating dendritic solidification in puzzle designs allows for the creation of intricate and organic patterns, offering a new level of complexity and challenge. - **Microscopic Life Inspiration:** Drawing inspiration from microscopic life forms introduces a new aesthetic and theme to puzzle designs, appealing to nature enthusiasts and science lovers. ### Where This Applies - **Toy and Game Industry:** The toy and game industry can leverage this innovation by incorporating custom software, laser cutting technology, and unique themes to create innovative and engaging puzzles for all ages. - **Art and Design Industry:** Artists and designers can explore the use of dendritic solidification techniques to create visually stunning and intricate puzzle designs that blur the line between art and interactive entertainment. - **Educational Industry:** The educational industry can utilize the inspiration from microscopic life to develop educational puzzles that teach biology and ecology concepts in a fun and engaging way. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Challenging Precise Layered Puzzles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sakura-puzzle.md) - [Kinetic Optical Illusion Puzzles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-woodflow.md) - [Intricate Jigsaw Puzzles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intricate-jigsaw-puzzle.md) - [Tetrahedral Desk Puzzles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/desk-puzzles.md) - [Edge Piece Puzzles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edge-piece-puzzle.md) - [Milled Three-Dimensional Puzzle Vases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ceramic-bodies.md) - [Holiday Puzzle Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-puzzle.md) - [Perplexing Wave-Like Puzzle Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wavelinks-puzzle.md) - [Challenging Infinity Puzzles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lizard-infinity-puzzle.md)