| Sprout Cat

Sprout Cat

Project Overview

This subject was my first opportunity to work on developing a physical prototype. It required creating a physical product as a team that either solved an existing problem, was a functional game, or a unique take on a musical instrument. Our group proceeded with the option of developing a solution to an existing problem, based on collective results from early interviewing conducted and ideas developed in the initial individual and group ideation and brainstorming processes.

Having observed the results from both the early interviews and ideation, I suggested to the group that we proceed with this approach for the project, considering factors such as practicality, availability of skills and resources and the indicative interview results.

I chose to focus on the positively aging population for my interviews, as they were more expressive about their wants and needs from a product designed to solve an existing problem compared to younger demographics.

Empathising

To create a solution better suited to its target audience, thorough interviews and research were conducted. This enhanced the product's effectiveness and helped refine the idea early on. A key discovery was that fostering emotional attachment between owners and their plants encouraged better care, reducing the likelihood of plant death.

Define

We needed to clearly define what our product would solve, including its appearance and functionality. While adjustments were possible during development, this definition set a clear early goal. The final concept was a pot plant insert that monitors soil humidity, light, temperature, and soil quality to help owners prevent their plants from dying.

Drawing on my skills developed through my data analytics sub-major, I was able to take a practical approach to evaluating the problem and the feasibility of different solutions and features, significantly contributing to this phase of development.

Ideate

During the ideation phase, several ideas were proposed but ultimately rejected due to time, resource constraints, and group evaluation of their value. A notable implemented idea was adding interactivity through a digital face, displaying varying emotional expressions based on whether measured values of the plant’s health were within ideal ranges. Inspired by Tamagotchi, the prototype was designed to foster a stronger emotional connection between plant owners and their plants.

My primary contribution in this, was to assess the practicality and overall value of each of the suggested features, considering time and resource limitations in making an informed decision, that I suggested to the team for a final decision.

Paper Prototypes

Standard Prototype

Proposed first draft version of physical prototype design

Astronaut Design

Proposed unique "astronaut themed" physical prototype design

Phone Screen Layout

Proposed companion application home screen layout

Social Media Layout

Proposed companion social media screens layout

LCD Screen Text

Proposed LCD Screen text information layout on the physical prototype of measured plant health values

LCD Screen Faces

Proposed emotive faces on the physical prototype based on corresponding LCD screen text of measured plant health values

The prototype had to be physical, but due to this being a new development and design method for everyone, it was first designed, edited, and confirmed in a digital format to avoid wasting time and resources. Once reviewed and finalized, it was gradually transitioned into its physical form.

My Role

My role in developing the physical prototype focused primarily on its design, both in terms of appearance and functionality. I was less involved in the physical assembly and coding, as these tasks were handled by team members better suited to them. This was to ensure maximised efficiency and productivity, based on each members respective skillsets.

Testing

In the final weeks of the subject, the physical prototype was tested through an in-class demonstration to the tutor and students, providing an opportunity to refine it based on feedback and questions.

I was responsible for preparing the presentation for the demonstration and formulating questions to gather audience perspectives and responses, ensuring we maximised opportunities to identify potential improvements.

Innagural 2022 UTS Tech Festival

Following a nomination from our tutor and deliberation by the subject coordinator, our group was the only undergraduate group in this subject to be selected to present at the inaugural UTS Tech Festival in 2022, the quality of our completed prototype. There, in competition with various undergraduate and postgraduate students and groups in Interaction Design-related subjects.

Award Winning

The prototype completed in this subject was highly successful, having won first place in both the Best Prototype Award, voted upon by staff and industry guests; and the People’s Choice Award, voted upon by the general public at the inaugural UTS Tech Festival in 2022.

Gallery