The main problem found during the research was managing plant watering levels, particularly when the user cannot be home for a period of time due to events such as holidays or business trips. It was also found that users did not gain much enjoyment from watering their plants, with the vast majority preferring to watch them grow in the background of daily life.
The SoloPot Direct solves these problems as it is an automatic per plant watering and nutrient dispensing system that utilises a series of environmental sensors to determine ideal watering levels. It allows users to retain the parts of keeping plants that they enjoy while not having to worry about the annoying parts.
The device allows users to care properly for their plants whether they are at home or not.
Video
Storyboard
User needs and ergonomics
The main needs of the users were found to be aesthetics, ease of use, and flexibility. Aesthetics is mainly addressed in the form of colour and finish, with three inoffensive colour options that can match many environments, and a satin finish. The rounded corners also aid in its unobtrusive nature. Ease of use is addressed in the simple setup process, easy to understand symbols, large buttons and easy lift hatches for the water and liquid fertiliser. Additionally, where the product is picked up the corners have a much larger radii to improve grip and comfort. Flexibility is addressed through the ability to add or not add fertiliser, as well as the option for a simple automatic setup or custom setup for advanced users in the smartphone app. Additionally, the large mounting tolerances ensure all pot types will fit including square, round, angled and flat sided pots.
Technical Details
The main manufacturing methods that would be used for this product are injection moulding and extrusion for the plastic parts. Injection moulding was chosen due to the complexity of the parts making them unsuitable for other plastic manufacturing methods. Extrusion was chosen to be used where possible due to its reduced complexity and cost. All parts have had design for manufacture considered during the design process, such as removing overhangs and sharp corners for injection moulding, and ensuring the parting line is not on a curved corner. Parts are bonded using either glue or ultrasonic plastic welding, the latter of which was chosen to be used where possible as it is less messy than glue. Glue is needed for the internal joins.
ABS was chosen for the majority of plastic parts due to its good weldability, rigidity and impact resistance. White was chosen as the main colour due to its inoffensive nature and ability to go with many other colours. Satin was chosen as the finish for the design as it is a good balance between being too shiny and attention grabbing, and being too matte and being hard to clean and attracting dirt and dust.
Exploded View
Bill of materials
