Farizah Naeem
DIY Planter Box
For a second-year university project, we aimed to develop alternate, user-centred designs for an accessible box. My team and I reimagined the box's size, form, configuration, and purpose by treating it as an "object-to-think-with." This approach led us to creatively transform it into a DIY Planter Box, enhancing its accessibility and functionality.
Overview
The box project design focused on accessibility, functionality, and ergonomics, inspired by a group member's desire to grow green onions in limited space without a planter. The aim was to redefine a traditional box into a sustainable planter for indoor plant growth, targeting first-time growers and those needing a temporary solution for seasonal plants. Key objectives included sustainability, durability, and simplicity, using recycled materials for easy home construction and guilt-free disposal.
Roles and Responsibilities
Team Members:
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Eddie Bissell Simmons
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Farizah Naeem
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Minh-huy Tran
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Isabel Uribe-Perez
Separately,
-Isabel Uribe-Perez: Final Prototype
-Eddie Bissell Simmons: Project Topic and Aims and Objectives
-Farizah Naeem: Prototype Production
-Min-Huy Tran: "Hacking" the Box
Together,
-We as a team, sketched our ideas of what our planter box will look like
-Came together to combine our best features together
-Built the final prototype together using recycled materials
Scope and Constraints
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Limited to no budget
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No real User-Testing or Interviews conducted due to Time Constraints
Solution
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Used recycled materials to built the prototype
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Gathered our information through Internet/Remote Research
Accomplishments
What I accomplished through my involvement in this Maker Project is being able to make use of the limited time and resources available to come up with real solutions to problems that people face. Knowing that a lot can be done to change the world for the better even with a limited budget. I achieved team building skills, learned to compromise my time and skills for the betterment of the team.
Design Problem
The project addressed the need for a sustainable, temporary planter for first-time indoor growers and seasonal plant enthusiasts. The design challenge involved creating a durable, simple box from recycled materials. To handle the weight and moisture from soil and water, the team added handles for easy transport and used a biodegradable plastic bag to catch excess water.
The Working Process and Actions Taken
Prototype Production Method
Usability Concerns
Accessibility
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Affordability
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Ease of Construction
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Customization
Functionality
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Plant Growth
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Durability
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Mobility
Ergonomics
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Design Considerations
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Weight Management
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Accessibility for All
Design Process
We began by brainstorming various box designs, including stackable storage bins and magician’s boxes, but ultimately chose a DIY planter. After sketching individual ideas, we combined the best features into a low-fidelity design. We initially planned to use recyclable plastic bottles for the planter's legs but adapted the idea to use the tops of bottles for adjustable, twist-off legs, addressing the weight issue of the soil.
Initial Sketches
Min
Farizah
Eddie
Isabel
Materials Used
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Cardboard
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Biodegradable plastic bag
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Soil
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Plastic Bottles
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Tape
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Scissors/Retractable knife
Experimentation
Evaluation
Final Adjustments
Final Prototype
Concluding Evaluation
The final prototype features a biodegradable plastic bag to protect the cardboard, a ramp and slit for water drainage, handles for easy handling, and breathability holes. We repurposed extra cardboard into a table for plant care and added adjustable plastic bottle legs.
From this design process, I learned that ideas often evolve, and even a final prototype can change with additional resources and time.
My Evolution as a UX Designer
The design process has greatly shaped my growth as a UX Designer by:
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Using research to identify problems and build empathy.
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Emphasizing user-centered design for intuitive outcomes.
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Adopting iterative prototyping to adapt to feedback.
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Integrating sustainability into design practices.
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Valuing diverse perspectives for accelerated learning.
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Engaging with communities to gain insightful feedback.
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Addressing technical constraints to enhance problem-solving skills.
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Refining communication for effective pitching of user-centric solutions.
Slide Deck