Design Ideas & Motivations

• ✅ Design Ideas
• ✅ Motivations & Questions

Design Ideas and Sketches

This section documents early-stage sketches, brainstorming, and exploration of the project concept. It connects to Week 2's Tinkercad modeling, where the initial frame design was developed.

Motivations & Questions Answered

This project aims to create an intelligent hydroponic garden system. As development progressed, the following key questions were addressed:

• What does it do? An AI-assisted hydroponic system that monitors environmental variables, gives sarcastic maintenance prompts, and controls pumps/lights via Wi-Fi.
• Who's done what beforehand? See this prior project, which automated irrigation but lacked modularity, AI, and UI.
• What sources did you use? MicroPython docs, Seeed datasheets, API references, KiCad, Roland mods, and FabAcademy tutorials.
• What did you design? PCBs, a modular physical frame, OLED interfaces, web UI, sensor system, and control modules.
• What materials/components were used? Aluminum 3030, MDF, NeoPixels, ESP32-S3/C6, RP2040, sensors, OLEDs, relays, pump, grow light.
• Where did they come from? Seeed Studio, UElectronics, local FabLab, Amazon.
• How much did they cost? Cost table will be added soon. Estimated total: ~$120 USD.
• What parts/systems were made? Custom PCBs, full interface, physical frame, web-controlled NeoPixels, power box.
• What tools/processes were used? Laser cutting, milling, soldering, KiCad, Arduino IDE, MicroPython, Fusion 360, 3D printing.
• What questions were answered? Offline interaction? AC safety? Modular design feasibility? Sarcastic AI useful?
• What worked / What didn't? See System Integration debugging section.
• How was it evaluated? Manual tests, UI response, sensor accuracy, safety, and sarcasm score (yes, really).
• What are the implications? Modular kits for education, sustainable gardening, humorous smart tech interfaces.