SITO

Sito is an indoor growing system that consists of an aeroponic growing unit, an LED grow light (that cover the full spectrum of wavelengths that plants are most sensitive to) and an interactive feedback display. Overall the product aims to reduce the amount of wasted resources currently being produced by traditional farming methods in a conducive, subtle and aesthetic way leading to healthier individuals due to improved availability of fresh produce within the home. Which in turn would lead to a large reduction in space used for agriculture, fresh water usage and C02 emissions through the processes.

kEY FINDINGS

Personas

Sketches

I modelled the most viable and developed sketch at a scale 1:1 and asked a user in the 95th and 5th %tile to interact with it using prompts of activities to see if these actions would 1; be obvious, 2; feel natural.

When standing as close to the table top as permitted, it was found that the 95th %tile had issues with being about to see into the product as it was at such an extreme angle. It also did not allow for easy access and the user clearly stated that he felt as if his wrist was in an “awkward position.”

However after asking the user to interact with another tabletop product, in this case, the microwave, the user had no issues with leaning over to look into or take things objects in and out of it. As the action was quick a not labour intensive

As for the 5th %tile, the product was an adequate height for them to see the happenings of the back of the product without having to lean or bend over. It also did not produce any uncomfortable wrist angles or hand positions.

Continuing further with the user testing, the PCU size, scale and spacing was scrutinised. With the feedback collected the PCU was updated till it was the ideal size and the icons were the correct size scale and distance apart from each other to reduce light leakage from the LEDs below and interference and accidental triggering of a different setting.

With the choice of icons, it made the interaction with the technological side of the product low and reduced to the number of fine controls of many of the setting by giving detailed visual feedback to the user.

From the secondary research, that was then put into practice, it was found that the body posture of the 5th to the 95th %tile is acceptable for short periods of time, up to 10 minutes, with a fixed screen angled and 30 degrees.