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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBRIEF:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For our project, we are seeking a smart \u201cplanter\/plant pot\u201d<\/strong> design that enriches the daily lives of elderly individuals and carries cultural significance. The planter should monitor the plant\u2019s health, have automatic watering capabilities, and be user-friendly, and customizable. Additionally, it should include interactive features that support elderly individuals in forming emotional connections with plants and maintaining this ritual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intended Users:<\/strong> Grandparents. (Our primary users are grandparents, specifically individuals aged 60 and above. This age group encompasses diverse lifestyles, from those living independently to those sharing a home with family members.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Target Market:<\/strong> 60+ Elderly Individuals. Our approach ensures that each user group is supported in maintaining their independence, nurturing their routines, and celebrating the small joys of life, whether through interaction with family or personal activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n EXPECTED FORM<\/strong>: We\u2019re excited to see the development of the application unfold, and we look forward to viewing sketches <\/strong>and 3D models<\/strong> of the concepts as they take shape, before the main prototype<\/strong> (The prototype at the end might be in the scale of 1\/2 or 1\/1) is done. It\u2019s important to us to visually follow the creative journey and see the ideas come to life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n PROBLEM DEFINITION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The goal is to design a smart planter that enriches the daily lives of elderly individuals and carries cultural significance. This planter should have an aesthetic and customizable structure; it should reflect the cultural sentiment that elderly individuals would want to have in their homes, adopting a maximalist design philosophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Function:<\/strong> The planter could be equipped with sunlight and moisture sensors, allowing it to monitor the health of the plant. Additionally, it could be able to provide status notifications through voice prompts, making it easier for users to receive information about their plants. The product should not take up much space, be lightweight and portable, and be made from durable materials to withstand drops. It should aim to offer long-lasting charging and be low-maintenance. It can be produced in various sizes for different types of plants, with a design that can elongate and shorten, as well as expand and contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ease of Use:<\/strong> It is essential for the planter to have an ergonomic design that prevents users from dropping it while carrying it. The interface should be understandable and simple; a button-based system is preferred over touch interfaces. It should be considered that elderly individuals may have difficulties adapting to digital life and may struggle to use touch screens due to changes in skin texture. Therefore, having large and accessible buttons will improve the user experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This design aims to strengthen the emotional bond that elderly individuals have with their plants while providing an assistant that facilitates their daily lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PRODUCT FORM:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n MARKET RESEARCH:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some examples of smart pots, technical features, and details that might be inspirational for the designer team. Here are some of more conceptual examples that might inspire you in terms of how the plants\u2019 pot can be personalized in different ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PROJECT TIMELINE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n INSPIRATIONAL SOURCES FOR REFERENCES:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Interior Design and Architecture<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of interior design, T\u00fcrkiye has a rich mix of traditional and modern styles, but much like China, many homes adopt a contemporary aesthetic, particularly in urban areas. Clean lines, functional spaces, and natural lighting are emphasized, with indoor plants playing a vital role in adding warmth and life to living spaces. The elderly often incorporate plants into their interiors, seeing them as a connection to nature and a source of tranquility. The design philosophy integrates potted plants into window sills, balconies, or dedicated indoor plant corners, much like in China. Here is an example from a common house type given: 1<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Elderly in Turkish Culture:<\/strong> Meaningful Aspects of Life for the Elderly<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In T\u00fcrkiye, the elderly maintain a strong bond with plants, often incorporating them into their homes in meaningful ways. The architecture and interior design in T\u00fcrkiye, particularly among the elderly, tend to be a blend of traditional and modern elements, much like in China. For example, Defne\u2019s aunt, who lives in an apartment, carefully arranges her potted plants near windows to ensure they receive enough sunlight but are shielded from cold drafts or harsh winds. She waters them twice a week, fertilizes them as needed, and makes sure to talk to them, treating them as companions. She places plants at varying heights and monitors the humidity levels, often adjusting the location of her plants to fit seasonal changes. If there are pets in the home, she ensures the plants are placed in areas where they won\u2019t be harmed. This level of care shows the deep connection elderly individuals have with their plants, often seeing them as living entities that need love and attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In multi-person households, while others may assist in caring for plants, the elderly typically take pride in doing most of the work themselves. These plants often have sentimental value, as they are sometimes passed down from one family member to another. For instance, when Nevra\u2019s grandmother passed away, her rose bush was passed on to Nevra\u2019s mother, who continued to care for it, and now it flourishes in their garden. This cultural practice of handing down plants symbolizes the continuity of care and family legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Elderly individuals in T\u00fcrkiye also see their plants as a form of connection with their neighbors. In some cases, neighbors exchange seeds, saplings, or flowers as gestures of friendship or as gifts during special occasions. This exchange is a form of maintaining relationships and offering kindness. For example, it is common to give a plant as a thoughtful gift during family gatherings or celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, addressing the question regarding the location and lifestyle of the grandparents in our group: While the images shared earlier might have depicted rural scenes, the grandparents in our group live in more urban or semi-urban areas. Nevra\u2019s and Defne\u2019s grandparents live in apartments, while Mertcan\u2019s family lives in a detached house. Specifically, Nevra\u2019s family is based in Ankara, Defne\u2019s family in Samsun, and Mertcan\u2019s in Yalova. Additionally, Defne\u2019s aunt lives in Rize, in a house situated on a farm where they grow their own vegetables, fruits, and even harvest tea and hazelnuts. Her house reflects traditional Black Sea architecture, featuring wooden construction and rustic decor. Her home is full of traditional Turkish motifs, including handmade embroidered beddings and crocheted decorations, reflecting the unique cultural identity of the region. So, while there are cultural differences based on location, our families share a similar respect for family traditions and plant care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As for plant pots, it\u2019s important to consider the preferences of elderly people in T\u00fcrkiye, who may favor traditional Turkish designs or practical, affordable options. Plant pots might feature intricate designs, but practicality and affordability are key factors. Grandparents may also prefer lightweight, easy-to-move pots. The national standards for plant pots in T\u00fcrkiye include durable materials and styles that suit both indoor and outdoor spaces. It\u2019s essential to account for these preferences when designing products for this demographic, keeping in mind that their taste might differ from younger generations due to their long-standing appreciation for cultural aesthetics and practicality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HERE ARE OUR GRANDPARENTS AS YOU WILL BE DECIDING TO CHOOSE WHICH YOU WILL BE DECIDING UPON YOUR SELECTION FOR THE USER OF YOUR PROJECT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Defne\u2019s grandfather M\u00fcrsel. (In the third photo the girl is Defne \ud83d\ude42 )<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Defne\u2019s grandmother Hanife. (In the middle photo the girl who is hugging her is Defne \ud83d\ude42 )<\/p>\n\n\n\n My grandmother, Hanife, loved her plants like they were family. She lived alone in her apartment and spent a lot of time caring for her plants, especially the ones she placed around her window. She would even talk to them, giving them the same love she gave us.She liked using colorful pots with patterns, sometimes adding little bows or charms to decorate them. Because she was small and not very strong, she used light plastic pots and kept them in easy-to-reach places. Hanife also grew vine plants to make stuffed grape leaves, along with tomatoes and other vegetables.She was a kind and gentle person who loved being with her family. When we visited, she was always happiest when we were all together in her home, surrounded by her plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Mertcan\u2019s mother and father together in the first picture. Her mother is G\u00fclizar and father is Nizamettin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mertcan says: My parents are in their 60s and have two grandchildren. They love gardening, and now it\u2019s more than just a hobby; it\u2019s something they dedicate a lot of time to. Besides our home garden, they also have a large garden with around 120 different types of trees. My mother, G\u00fcll\u00fczar Aydo\u011fmu\u015f, loves talking to the plants in the garden. Her favorite flower is the orchid, and she also has 5 or 6 pots on the balcony. My father, Nizamettin Aydo\u011fmu\u015f, goes straight to the garden as soon as he comes home from work to dig the soil, prune the trees, mow the lawn, and water the plants. They also make juice, sauce, and pickles in bulk with the produce they harvest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plants and the Elderly:<\/strong> CULTURAL MOTIFS THAT MIGHT BE HELPFUL:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Turkic Mithology and Plants Relation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In Turkish mythology, nature and plants hold significant symbolic meaning, often representing life, fertility, and the connection between the earthly and spiritual realms. One of the most notable plants is the \u201cTree of Life\u201d (Hayat A\u011fac\u0131), a sacred symbol that connects the heavens, earth, and underworld. This tree is believed to be the source of all life and is a common motif in Turkish and Central Asian mythological tales, representing immortality and the universe\u2019s balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another important plant is \u201cErgenekon,\u201d a mythical valley filled with rich vegetation, where the ancestors of the Turks were said to have lived and prospered. The valley\u2019s lush plant life symbolizes renewal and rebirth, marking a place of refuge and strength in their mythology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Herbs and healing plants also appear in Turkish myths, where shamans use them for spiritual healing and connecting with the divine. These plants are seen not only as medicinal but also as possessing magical properties, linking humans to the spiritual world. In these myths, plants are often portrayed as guardians of nature and life, deeply intertwined with the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Turkish people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Turkish mythology and current culture, symbols hold deep significance, often representing beliefs, values, and the connection to nature and the cosmos. Many of these ancient symbols, such as the Tree of Life and protective motifs, are woven into traditional rugs and kilims. These designs serve as a way to pass down cultural stories, represent protection, fertility, and spirituality, and maintain a connection to the past. The continued use of these symbols in modern crafts reflects their lasting importance in Turkish cultural identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some examples of the motifs and examples on carpets and kilims! References: Symbols<\/a>, Anatolian Rugs.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00c7\u0130N\u0130:<\/strong> In Turkish culture, ceramics, known as \u201c\u00e7ini,\u201d hold a significant place as both functional objects and works of art. Historically, \u00e7ini has been used in various forms, from tiles decorating mosques and palaces to exquisite dishware and vases. The intricate designs often feature vibrant colors and geometric patterns, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of Turkish artisans. \u00c7ini not only showcases artistic expression but also symbolizes the connection between the past and present, serving as a testament to Turkey\u2019s artistic legacy. In the bottom photos the middle examples is called \u201cThe Tree of Life\u201d. References.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n EBRU:<\/strong> Ebru, or marbling art, is a traditional Turkish craft that involves creating beautiful patterns on water and transferring them onto paper. This unique art form utilizes natural dyes and special tools, allowing artists to manipulate colors and shapes fluidly. Each piece of ebru is one-of-a-kind, embodying a harmonious blend of creativity and nature. The practice of ebru reflects the importance of patience and skill in Turkish culture, as it requires meticulous technique and a deep appreciation for aesthetics. Today, ebru continues to be celebrated as an essential part of Turkey\u2019s artistic heritage, often showcased in galleries and workshops. References: 1<\/a>, 2<\/a>, 3,<\/a> 4<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Habits:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note: We aim to cater to a broad spectrum of elderly users, with a focus on those who live alone, elderly couples, and those living with their families, in that order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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References for the photos: 1<\/a>, 2<\/a>, 3 (a<\/a>, b<\/a>, c<\/a>\u2013c2<\/a>, d<\/a>, e<\/a> ,f<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/theglobalstudio.eu\/2024-12\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2024\/10\/image-10-1024x576.png\")
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In Turkish culture, showing respect to the elderly is an important tradition. Respectful language is used when addressing them, their hands are kissed, and they are given priority. Visiting elders during holidays, kissing their hands, and receiving their blessings is an important ritual. Elders also strive to maintain strong bonds with their children and grandchildren; they offer guidance and teach traditions and customs. They are often seen as calm, mature, and wise individuals in society and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In Turkish culture, particularly among elderly individuals, growing plants and caring for flowers is very common. This hobby serves as a source of relaxation and engagement for elderly individuals. Growing flowers on balconies and inside homes is an activity frequently shared among neighbors and friends. Caring for flowers provides emotional support for elderly individuals living alone; engaging with plants adds meaning to their lives and alleviates their loneliness. Flowers are also seen as companions, especially for elderly individuals living far from their children and grandchildren. Some plants are family heirlooms passed down through generations. After the loss of loved ones, elderly individuals take care of the plants belonging to them, viewing it as a ritual of legacy and connection. This tradition is preserved as a way to maintain bonds with their loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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