DESIGN NAME: Vaso
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Smart Indoor Garden System
INSPIRATION: Inspired by a commitment to sustainability, Vaso was designed to harmoniously blend technology and nature, offering effortless plant care while minimizing waste, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing well-being through the calming presence of greenery in daily life.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Vaso waters plants based on soil humidity, offers easy plant placement, and relieves mental pressure. Designed for seamless integration, it fits most table plants, provides a plug-and-play experience, and features an ergonomic water inlet funnel design for precision and safety.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Equipped with advanced sensors, Vaso automatically waters plants based on soil humidity levels, ensuring that they receive just the right
amount of hydration needed to flourish. The mobile app will also alert the user in real-time when additional care is required, based on the unique growth environment of each plant.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in December 2022 in Los Angeles and produced the prototype in March 2023. Vaso was exhibited in the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen, Germany in 2023.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Crafted from recycled plastic, Vaso embodies sustainability and minimalistic aesthetics in its design and structure. Every element is thoughtfully engineered to minimize environmental impact, ensuring a seamless blend of eco-consciousness and elegance.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Length 255 mm x Width 170 mm x Height 252 mm
TAGS: Green Tech, Smart Gardening, Sustainable Living, Eco Friendly, Home Garden
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Conducting exploratory research, our goal was to understand user needs and preferences related to smart gardening systems. Using surveys and interviews, we gathered data from 200 participants, exploring their experiences and expectations. Our findings revealed a strong desire for effortless plant care and a deep connection to nature.
These insights guided Vaso's design, focusing on user-friendly features and sustainability. The research also highlighted the potential market demand for eco-conscious home products. As a result, Vaso not only enhances users' lives but also contributes to sustainable living and the evolving landscape of eco-friendly design solutions.
CHALLENGE: The most challenging aspect was integrating sustainability without compromising functionality. We had to source eco-friendly materials, balancing cost-effectiveness and durability. Navigating regulatory standards for recycled plastics was complex, requiring close collaboration with suppliers. The historical perspective of single-use plastics and societal pressure for eco-conscious design drove us to persevere.
Additionally, aligning technology with the "best tech is no tech" philosophy posed obstacles. It was a creative challenge to simplify the user experience while harnessing advanced soil moisture sensors. We overcame these hurdles through extensive research, prototyping, and iterative design, ultimately achieving a seamless, sustainable, and user-centric solution.
ADDED DATE: 2023-09-27 02:35:05
TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Xiaoyu Zhang and Jiaxin Zou
IMAGE CREDITS: Xiaoyu Zhang and Jiaxin Zou, 2023.
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