Skills
User Research & Product Design
Thermoelectric Cooling
Rapid Prototyping & Fabrication
Collaborators
Austen Simpson
Dalila Valdes
Nader Jemel
Project Overview
In the 2.00 Introductory Product Design course, our team collaborated to design a unique device aimed at addressing specific challenges related to seed storage and preparation. The project involved user-centered research, iterative design, and rapid prototyping to create a product that both educates and serves a practical purpose in the community. Our final design incorporated advanced cooling technologies and user-friendly features, resulting in a functional prototype that was well-received by our target users and faculty.
Problem Definition
The project began with our team being assigned to the theme of "Gathering," and we were tasked with creating a product that would meet the needs of our assigned users. Our users were volunteers from the Somerville Gardening Club and the Somerville Growing Center, two organizations dedicated to promoting the planting of native plants that attract local pollinators. These groups were passionate about encouraging community members to choose native plants over the more common "pretty" plants typically found in stores, which often don't provide the same ecological benefits.
During our visits to their gardening sites, we observed the challenges they faced and engaged in discussions to understand their goals and pain points. One of the primary issues identified was the process of collecting, storing, and distributing native seeds. The volunteers were already running successful community events to raise awareness about native plants, but they wanted to expand their influence and reach more people.
A critical aspect of their work involved educating the community about seed stratification, a process required for many native Boston seeds to germinate properly. These seeds naturally undergo a cold period during the winter, which is essential for their growth. However, many gardeners prefer to start planting in the spring, when the weather is warm, and may not be aware of the need to cold stratify these seeds beforehand. This gap in knowledge could lead to missed opportunities for planting native species, ultimately reducing the impact of the volunteers' efforts to promote native gardening.
Recognizing this challenge, our team saw an opportunity to innovate in the areas of seed storage and education. We needed to design a product that would not only store the seeds effectively but also automate the cold stratification process, making it easier for gardeners to plant native seeds at the right time. Additionally, we wanted to incorporate educational elements into the product to raise awareness about the importance of native plants and provide users with the necessary information to succeed in their gardening efforts.
Example seed packet users would hand out at community events.
Visit to user's site
Mini garden
Inside seed storage shed
Design Process
Our team began by brainstorming various concepts that could address the dual needs of seed storage and community education. We explored several ideas, considering how each could both preserve the seeds and provide valuable information to users about native plants. After much discussion, we converged on the idea of a refrigerated mini seed library. This concept offered a practical solution that could be placed in accessible public spaces such as libraries, schools, or community centers. The vision was to create a dispenser that would not only keep seeds at the necessary cold temperatures for stratification but also make them easily accessible for planting whenever needed.
To enhance the educational aspect, we planned to incorporate visual displays on the exterior of the dispenser. These displays would feature images of the plants that the seeds would eventually grow into, helping to inspire and inform users about the importance of native gardening. Additionally, we integrated QR codes onto the seed packages themselves. These QR codes would link to detailed growing instructions, providing users with step-by-step guidance to ensure successful planting and care.
After presenting our initial concept to the users and gathering their feedback, we realized the importance of refining the design to better meet their needs. We redesigned the seed dispenser into a hexagon-shaped box, which offered both aesthetic appeal and functional advantages. The hexagonal shape allowed us to create three small drawers on each of its six sides, significantly increasing the variety of seeds that could be stored and accessed. This multi-drawer design was not only practical but also user-friendly, as it allowed for easy organization and retrieval of different seed types.
For the cooling mechanism, we chose to use thermoelectric cooling with Peltier plates, paired with aluminum tubing. This approach was selected for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and reliability in maintaining the precise temperatures needed for seed stratification. To ensure the dispenser was both durable and well-insulated, we opted for polyurethane foam for the walls. This material provided the necessary structural integrity while being easy to machine, making it ideal for rapid prototyping and fabrication.
To add a unique and interactive element, we decided to mount the entire hexagon-shaped box on a Lazy Susan. This rotating base allowed the dispenser to spin, making it easy for users to access any of the drawers without needing to move around the unit. This feature not only improved the dispenser’s functionality but also added a playful, engaging aspect that we believed would attract more users and encourage them to explore the various seeds available.
Video highlights the functionality of the drawers and the rotating Lazy Susan base.
Fabrication and Assembly
With our design finalized, we moved into the fabrication phase. I took on the responsibility of assembling the base of the dispenser, laser cutting the exhaust panels, and spray painting the body for a polished finish. The entire fabrication process was a rapid, intense effort, with the team working collaboratively to bring the design to life. The final product featured a sleek, rotating hexagonal design with durable construction and an integrated cooling system.
User Testing and Final Presentation
Once the fabrication was complete, we presented our prototype to the faculty, staff, and our users. The feedback was positive, particularly in how the design effectively combined practical storage with educational elements. The refrigerated seed dispenser successfully demonstrated its ability to store and stratify seeds, making it a valuable tool for promoting native gardening in the community.
Seed Dispenser at Final Product Showcase
Project Reflection
This project was one of the most enriching experiences of my MIT career so far. It provided a deep understanding of the iterative design process, from initial user research to final product fabrication. Working with a diverse team allowed me to see how different ideas and backgrounds can converge to create a cohesive and innovative solution. The experience underscored the importance of user-centered design and the value of rapid prototyping in bringing a concept to life.
