Overview

Virtual Growth is a smart mobile app designed to simplify plant care by delivering timely notifications tailored to each plant's specific needs. These care prompts are powered by data from sensors embedded in an intelligent plant pot or from analyzed patterns based on existing plant care information. The smart pot adds an interactive touch, displaying emotive expressions that reflect your plant’s health and status.

In addition to care management, Virtual Growth serves as a comprehensive hub for both learning and community engagement. Users can enhance their horticultural skills through a curated resource section or connect with a thriving community of plant enthusiasts and experts ready to share advice and support.

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Background & Context

This project was undertaken as part of a 12-week capstone for the Interaction Design Studio course. The objective was to design a meaningful solution for people working from home, addressing feelings of diminished accomplishment and providing a sense of fulfillment through plant care and growth tracking.

^{Photo Credit: UTS Game Studios Prototype Showcase | UTS Games Studio}

Seamless Onboarding Process

Users can easily begin by scanning their plant to receive instant details about its species and care requirements. For those using the smart plant pot, this step also includes a seamless connection setup, ensuring the pot is linked to the app for real-time monitoring and care notifications.

Detailed Plant Status

Users should assess their plant's condition and environment to ensure an accurate caretaking schedule. If the plant is connected to the smart plant pot, much of this information will be automatically populated, simplifying the process and enhancing care precision.

Knowledge Base for Plants

Users can enhance their knowledge about plant care by exploring a comprehensive glossary of caretaking details tailored to their specific plant species.

Interactive Plant Care

This page provides users with essential information about their plant's status. Users can take action based on their plant's needs, either manually or automatically through the smart plant pot. Additionally, the plant's display can be customized to suit individual preferences.

A Community of Plant Enthusiast

Users can seek assistance from the community by creating posts in the public forum. They can attach a condition report of their plant to provide more context and facilitate informed responses. Additionally, users can browse and engage with posts made by others to share insights and experiences.

Smart Personalised Notifications

Users will receive timely notifications based on the accuracy of the initial condition and environment data provided. If the plant is connected to a smart plant pot, the sensors will detect additional details and schedule caretaking notifications accordingly, ensuring optimal care.