HYDROPO: A Modular Indoor Hydroponic System A product designed to provide domestic users enhanced user experience in hydroponics whilst catering to water conservation

Abstract

Traditional practices of indoor, primarily residential, gardening and horticulture contribute to unnecessarily large amounts of fresh water wastage, which is an increasingly valuable and vital resource due to the impendingglobalwaler shortage crisis. The following reportdetails the design process of an indoor hydroponic product system that provides consumers with environmental, economic, and emotional advantages whilst addressing the aforementioned water wastage dilemma. Most existing hydroponic systems arc geared at large-scale industrial use rather than domesticuse, andthosethat arefail tobeadoptedby mosses. Therefore, theproposedsolutionwas a modular hydroponic system for residential use that prioritizes customization, spatial efficiency, and improved user experience enabling users to comfortably and seamlessly integrate nature into their homes. Subsequent usability testing was conducted to gauge the feasibility, utility. and enhanced degree of performance of the proposed product, as well as emotive responses to plant life. Results provided grounds for further development and indicated generally positive user perspectives, demonstrating willingness towards the application of indoor hydroponics despite having only a rudimentary understanding of the problem statement, mechanism and operations. Design study conclusions highlighted requirement, emotional connection and desire till as attributes present in target users. Restricted availability. lack of awareness and knowledge. however. presented user hesitation and barriers to the successful implementation of residential hydroponics, thus, becoming elements further matured in the final proposed solution.