"Grab and Grow" Hydroponic

ORGANIZATION

University of Waterloo

PLATFORM

Physical

TIMELINE

Sept-Dec 2023 | ~4 months

Brief

A hydroponic system designed to be carried on the go
This was a school project to put our user research, user testing and prototyping skills into use. Our team developed a hydroponic system ideal for gardening enthusiasts with busy lifestyles. Here's a visual abstract to help summarize things a little.


The Process

Problem

Frequent travellers do not have the time, effort and space for gardening

Goal

To design a small "garden" that is portable, affordable and efficient

Personas

Using this information, we established three personas to aid us in identifying the detailed needs in out design. This includes: a 24-year-old adventure vlogger, a a 65-year-old lady who migrates south in the winter, and a 27-year-old freelance photographer. Below is a simple showcase of one of these personas.

Criteria & Constraints


Criteria

  • Easy to Assemble Individually
  • Small & Portable over Long Distances
  • Built with Recyclable/Eco-Friendly Materials
  • Transparent Cover for Protection and Sunlight
  • Usable Year-Round
  • Easily Cleaned and Decorated
  • Technology - Mobile App Integration


Constraints

  • Total System Must Weigh Less than 23kg (50lbs)
  • Maximum Dimensions of 1m x 1m x 1m
  • Maintain Temperature Between 18-24 deg Celsius
  • 4-5 Total Parts to Assemble
  • Structure Must Cost Less than 200$ without the Plants
  • Must Withstand 40lbs/sqft

3 Ideas

Synthesizing

We had to choose one design to move forward with to our testing stage. To make this decision, we used a Best of Class Chart, with 3 being ranked the lowest and 1 being ranked the highest. The briefcase design was most ideal


Prototype Testing

Metrics

After finalizing the design, we built a low fidelity prototype using household materials that tests against three metrics

Testing

we asked 6 users to test the prototype, following specific instructions below to test for each metric, then surveying them using the questions below along with a likert scale

Survey Results

After analyzing the survey feedback, we noticed the combination of a long handle + tennis was most overall the most favourable design

Survey Results

Although this was a simple design testing a few simple metrics, it still helped us gain valuable insight into what could possibly be a successful design. In the future, we could possibly explore adjustable handle lengths and more durable structure builds