Faculty of Design
Industrial Design
Meet the Designer
Mason
zhao
Industrial Design
“I design interactive systems that transform everyday care into emotional connection. with Smart Plant Care I explore how AI and sensing technology can give plants a voice — allowing them to respond, evolve, and support human wellness. My goal is to design not just for function, but for empathy, where even the quietest living things can become companions.”

Mason Zhao is a senior-year Industrial Design student at OCAD University. His design practice explores integrating technology, emotional design, and human-plant interaction. His thesis project, Smart Plant Care, uses AI and sensor technology to transform plant care into emotional companionship, addressing modern loneliness and promoting mental wellness.
Interaction Design/Human-Centered Design/Speculative/Future Design

Celebrate the work of OCAD U’s class of 2024/2025!