Principles & Practices

Final Project Plan

My choice of the final project was built on two interests on mine:

I'm a person who loves plants but forgets to take care of them. Thus, the first idea that came to my mind was a self-watering pot for home plants.

With technology being in every home and part of our lives, a new concept of "Invisible Technology" has been emerging. Where a smart object wouldn't look any different from a traditional ones. A smart object only acts smartly when you it needs to- or when a user interacts with it.

Therefore, I am planning to design a self watring pot, with a timer, and a light source attached to it, that doesn't look industrial. On the contrary, I will try to cover any visible technology and will make it look as a usual home planter. The reservoir, as part of the pot, will automatically pump water as needed and a sensor would light up alarming that the it's is running out of water. Taking this further (tentative to time restrictions) the pot can be connected to a smart phone application, sending notifications and reminders about the reservoir and the plant.

I started with building a design moodboard to help me pick the material, shape and general look and feel:

I'm leaning toward organic looks; round and semi-circles. I believe that the shape will be created through molding and casting, but I will keep an open mind throughout the semseter to find out what outher fabrication approached can be suitable for such purpose.

Below are some resources and references to available similar pots in the market and on-line - will be updated throughout the semeseter:
IKEA's Self-Watering Planters
Intructables - Automatic Gardening System
Orchids Self-Watering Pots