DESIGN BRIEF

BRIEF:

For our project, we are seeking a smart “planter/plant pot” design that enriches the daily lives of elderly individuals and carries cultural significance. The planter should monitor the plant’s 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.

Intended Users: 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.)

Target Market: 60+ Elderly Individuals.
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.

1. Elderly living alone: These individuals often seek comfort, independence, and companionship through their daily activities. Products designed for them will prioritize ease of use, simplicity, and features that support autonomy while addressing potential safety concerns. Also, having a plant that they can interact with might make them feel like they are not alone.
2. Elderly couples: For this group, maintaining shared routines and hobbies is key. Products that enhance mutual activities, such as gardening or home care, and foster togetherness while still supporting individual needs will be valued.
3. Elderly living with their families: This demographic balances their own needs with the dynamics of a multigenerational household. They may appreciate products that integrate smoothly into family life, offering them a sense of contribution or self-sufficiency while also maintaining a connection with their loved ones.

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.

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PROBLEM DEFINITION:

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.

Function: 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.

Ease of Use: 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.

This design aims to strengthen the emotional bond that elderly individuals have with their plants while providing an assistant that facilitates their daily lives.

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PRODUCT FORM:

• Appearance: The smart planter should have a maximalist design, enriched with traditional motifs that are compatible with Turkish culture.
• Material: Durable and lightweight materials should be used; natural-looking composites or wood options are preferred.
• Structure: A structure with modular compartments could be offered, capable of elongating and shortening to accommodate different plant sizes.
• User Experience Expectations: The user interface should be intuitive and accessible for elderly individuals; it should be supported by large buttons and voice notifications.
• Cost Expectation: The product should be in an accessible price range for the Turkish market and offer reasonable cost based on the value provided. It might be 500-1000 TL (equal to 15-30 dollars.)

MARKET RESEARCH:

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’ pot can be personalized in different ways.

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PROJECT TIMELINE:

• Market Research: Target audience analysis and competition assessment will be conducted. In-depth research on the needs and expectations of elderly individuals will be carried out.
• Concept Generation & Evaluation: Various design concepts will be created. Designs will be evaluated against established criteria to select the most suitable one.
• Product Design: Detailed design work will be done on the selected concept, considering functionality, aesthetics, and ease of use.
• Feedback: Initial prototypes or design sketches will be reviewed to gather feedback. Responses will be collected from the target audience and experts.
• Model: A prototype will be prepared based on feedback. A physical or digital model of the prototype will be created.
• Feedback and Optimization: The prototype will be tested, and user feedback will be collected. Improvements will be made to the design based on the obtained data.

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RESEARCH DATA:

Elderly in Turkish Culture:
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.

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Plants and the Elderly:
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.

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Habits:

• Music: Many elderly people enjoy listening to music on the radio, especially Turkish Classical Music, which is nostalgic and calming for them. For example, Zeki Müren’s “Gitme Sana Muhtacım” is one of the most frequently listened to classic Turkish Classical Music pieces. Neşet Ertaş’s “Cahildim Dünyanın Rengine Kandım“, Aşık Veysel’s “Uzun İnce Bir Yoldayım“, Tülay German’s “Burçak Tarlası” are one of the commonly listened Turkish country music (türkü). Such music revives their memories and helps them establish an emotional connection with the past. You can listen to the music by clicking, they are linked 🙂 !
• Handicrafts: In Turkish culture, elderly and young women enjoy making handicraft products, preparing trousseaux, and participating in social activities. Preparing a trousseau is an important tradition in Turkish families, and elderly individuals guide this process. Handicrafts are seen as a cultural heritage, and elderly individuals teach their skills to the younger generation. They knit lace (dantel) and display their craftsmanship by placing these laces in various parts of the house.

• Cooking: The richness of our gastronomy culture is visible in households, and elderly individuals love to cook. The cultural and social significance of food is quite high, and they cook to engage with their loved ones. Days are organized for meals. A few examples of dishes include gözleme, salça (tomato paste), and yaprak sarması (they grow the vine and make dolmas).

• Self-sufficiency: In Turkish culture, the tendency of individuals to manage their own tasks is rooted in values of self-sufficiency and independence. Particularly among the elderly generation, there is a proficiency in performing small repairs and production tasks, stemming from a rural lifestyle. Skills and craftsmanship are passed down from generation to generation, making these tasks a natural part of daily life. Asking for help may sometimes be seen as a loss of independence or inadequacy, so elderly individuals try to solve tasks on their own. This is culturally regarded as a sign of honor and strength.
• Influences from the Past: Past economic hardships have encouraged people to produce solutions without seeking help. Solving problems with available materials is seen as more economical and practical than calling a repairman. People from rural areas place great value on craftsmanship and skills; being able to repair something on their own is a respected ability in society. Therefore, elderly individuals prefer to handle things on their own rather than seek help from others.
• Here are some of the photos from a music clip that briefly showcases the houses of elderly people in Turkey. By clicking here you can reach the music clip!

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We hope you’ll have fun while doing this project! 🙂 🙂 🙂 If you need any more adjustments or additional information, feel free to ask, we are here for you anytime! <3