Hive-Hub, the Automatic Weather Station
Stephanie Shelton
This design proposal is a hybrid system and product-based solution to assist gardeners in preventing damage to their garden plants from the windy weather.
Design Problem
How might we design a way to help gardeners care for their plants before, during, or after windy weather?
Formed from my research, user trips and gardener interviews into how wind affects plants. After a student-led creative session, I merged two strong ideas, which created this proposal.
Description of the Project
The prototype Hive-Hub tracks the wind and soil moisture, and when the weather reaches specific prerequisites, it activates its companion products. Additionally, the Hub sends radio signals during windy weather, causing the plant pot to raise its trellis to protect the plants inside, allowing wind to pass through more readily. Furthermore, the Hub will send a radio signal to the water spikes after wind gusts, releasing their held water, because transpiration uses up the plant’s water supply.
Fundamentally, the proposal focuses on user needs and the essential environmental needs of plants and insects. Additionally, this proposal is effective on a local scale. Specifically, assisting senior citizens with managing their gardens. Finally, with refinement, my proposal has expandable potential for further integrated companion products.
Benefits
Email address: stephanie.shel@yahoo.com
About me
I am an enthusiastic undergraduate student with a deep passion for product design and ethical design, and my future career aspiration is interior design.