FLORA SPACE
FLORA SPACE
December 2020
Solidworks, Keyshot, Photoshop, Adobe XD,
UX Research, Market Research, Wireframing, 2D and 3D Prototyping, Brand Design
Flora Space is a hydroponic gardening product concept that combines the experiences of traditional gardening with the technology of smart hydroponic watering systems to introduce adaptive gardens to individuals in assisted living residences. Unlike traditional gardening, the utilization of a hydroponic watering system offers users with the choice of autonomous, hands-on or hybrid gardening experiences.
This feature alongside other design decisions, aims to arrive at a concept that will seamlessly adapt to the unique needs and preferences of individuals who will interact with Flora Space, including individuals with neurocognitive conditions, nurses, and family and friends. By offering a stress-free and flexible gardening experience, the final product highlights the psychological advantages of gardening, which is a familiar medium that fosters community building, self-confidence, focus, creativity, a sense of achievement and more.
BACKGROUND RESEARCH
Positive influences of gardening
Gardening supports the psychological wellbeing of individuals with neurocognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Many gardening activities such as pruning and mulching encourage mental stimulation, light physical exercise, a connection with nature and people, and a sense of independence and accountability.
Healing gardens and returning paths
Healing gardens and returning paths are designs found in hospitals and assisted living homes, which incorporate seating and informational signage designed to encourage socialization, curiosity and light exercise. Returning paths also function to maintain the safety of its visitors by utilizing organic patterns and natural obstacles.
Hydroponic Gardening Systems
Hydroponic gardening systems utilize water and a nutrient solution to enable plants to grow without soil. The omission of soil increases the garden’s yield within a smaller footprint, and addresses the setbacks of traditional gardening such as overcrowding, weeding, pests, poor soil drainage and a reliance on weather and seasons.
MARKET RESEARCH
Overwhelming presence of plastic
The current market for hydroponic gardening products is largely comprised of plastic manufactured goods. The advantages of plastic include its ease of maintenance and lightweight structure, for transport and assembly. However, consumer material perceptions may associate plastic products as disposable and less premium, which may impact user experiences negatively.
Sterile look and experience
A dominant design trend in hydroponic gardening products is the use of smooth and uniform shapes. This choice likely aims to elevate the product by visually conveying its “smart” capabilities and advanced technology. With its plastic composition and lab-like forms, the designs however look and feel lab-like, which distances the product from its intended users, experience and surroundings.
Lacks warmth and familiarity
Hydroponic gardening products utilize a system of water and a nutrient solution that enables the user to grow plants without soil. The omission of soil increases the garden’s yield within a smaller footprint, while also addressing pests. However, the physical experience of harvesting produce from a hydroponic garden is extremely different from harvesting produce traditionally, creating an emotional distance between the user and their garden.
FINAL PRODUCT
A vessel for knowledge, curiosity and socialization.
Enrich users with daily opportunities to exercise their minds and bodies through the medium of gardening.
Facilitate community building amongst residents, nurses, family and friends through a design intended for multiple users.
Empower users with knowledge regarding personal health, nutrition, and how to maintain a thriving garden.
Boost confidence and morale, while eliminating boredom which studies have linked to accelerated cognitive decline and mild depression.
ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS
Smart companion app
Flora Space is equipped with a companion app that provides the product with smart capabilities, such as monitoring and controlling the hydroponic watering system. It also ensures users are informed about time-sensitive gardening tasks such as pruning, planting and harvesting. Additionally, the app offers a comprehensive flora index to aid users in learning more about and connecting with their garden.
Collaborative and multipurpose uses
Flora space promotes social interaction with its spacious layout and dual workstations, which foster the notion of gardening as a collaborative activity. Multifunctional features such as the workstations and handlebars serve as tool storage and weight support, which maximize space efficiency. This helps to ensure that Flora Space seamlessly integrates into its environment while addressing user needs.
Tambour doors and semi-portability
While seeking to enhance user’s experiences at assisted living residences through gardening, Flora Space equally aims to maintain an unobtrusive design as to seamlessly integrate into the users preexisting routines and environment. Tambour doors offer integrated storage and eliminate the need for additional storage space, and its swivel casters enable individuals to garden by conveniently bringing the garden to them or to various communal spaces.
