The Overview
The Problem
The Goal
Create a unique plant stand that requires
less attention so that users don't feel stressed
when trying to take care of a plant.
User Persona
The Environment
Opportunity Space
Design Process
Final Prototype
This was a semester-long project for the Global Innovation Awards Excellence in the Student Design
Competition. During this project, I followed the competition guidelines and conducted market research,
cost analysis, user-centered design, product usability, form and appearance, emotional connection,
materials selection, production processes, user comfort and safety, accessibility, human
factors, and environmental impacts.
Many millennials avoid owning houseplants due to anxiety about
proper care, fearing they may accidentally kill the plants. The
biggest challenges include determining sunlight needs, understanding
water requirements, and knowing how to prune. Despite these concerns,
a significant amount of millennials still identify as plant parents and
acknowledge the benefits of plant care, which can enhance home
aesthetics, air quality, and personal well-being.
Age: 29
Occupation: Graphic Designer
Loation: San Francisco, CA
Education: BA in Visual Culture
Demographics
Shopping Habits
Divergent Ideation
Convergent Ideation
Product Interaction
Needs & Goals
Prefers to shop online for home
goods.
Willing to invest in high quality unique
items.
Reads reviews and researches products
before purchasing.
Wants to incorporate more greenery
into her home without the clutter.
Seeks stylish yet functional items
that reflect her personal style.
Looks for low-maintenance solutions
to support her busy lifestyle.
Use as a statement piece in her living
living room.
Values the integrating watering system
for ease of plant care.
Likely to share her planter on social
media influencing others.
ADD YOUR PLANTS
TO THE CERAMIC BOWL
ADD YOUR WATER
TO THE OUTER BOWL
TURN ON THE LIGHT &
WATCH YOUR PLANTS GROW
The Verdant Vue Planter offers a different approach to plant care,
specifically suited for busy individuals or frequent travelers, as it
minimizes the need for constant attention, allowing for longer
intervals between watering. Regulating the light and implementing
a self-watering system eases the user's responsibility. The
product's aesthetic also makes it more versatile in placement and
usability. With this innovative approach, anyone can enjoy the
benefits of plant ownership without the usual constraints of a
watering schedule.
The Verdant Vue Planter introduces a novel offering to the flourishing global
flower pots and planters market, anticipated to surge from $978.7 million to
$1.5 billion in 2030. Aligning with the urban trend of space-efficient house-
plants and aesthetically driven decor, this product stands out in a diverse
market of various materials. Its unique lighting feature may carve out a niche
in the high-end market, especially appealing to commercial entities. With the
potential for strong online sales in gardening-friendly regions like North America,
this planter is poised to attract design-conscious consumers, blending
functionality with stylish home embellishment.
Throughout divergent ideation, classmates and I went through different
areas that the Global Innovation Awards Excellence in the Student Design
Competition allowed us to create. I researched Pet Products, some furniture
pieces, and decorative items - I focused mainly on plant stands in the decorative
category and began sketching from there. I researched pain points that many
plant owners experience and wanted to find a way for them to have an easier time
caring for their plants. We did quick 3D mockup models that were discussed in
class and talked about the pain points and positives of our designs. After these
discussions, we were told to narrow down our top design choices and move
forward with our two best designs.
My first pick for my design was a watering system based on UFOs, which was a
more playful design choice aimed towards children - who often have the most
challenging time caring for another living thing. My second choice was a more
modern and sleek design, aimed at individuals who don't have the time to take care
of plants - or travel often and can't be around to water them when needed. I moved
forward, creating 3D designs for each and discussing them with other students to
see which was more viable and what would sell the best. I also contacted plant
owners to know whether they would use either of these in their homes. I got the
most positive feedback from the more sleek design, so I moved forward with
that design choice.
You could find this in homes or office spaces. The sleek design allows for it to be
placed in various locations without interfering with any other elements. Because
the light and water features will enable you to leave it for longer periods, you
could find these in your office spaces where you wouldn't have to worry about your
plant dying on your desk.
THE VERDANT
VUE PLANTER
