I built our first wooden prototype with a teammate; a five-sided box design glued together along the sides. Through this process, we learned that this design would not be feasible for manufacturing 30 units. Small human errors were easily recognizable and negatively impacted planter aesthetics.

In our third test, we used the CNC router to create a more unique design that connected the three holes into a wave-like shape. In order to use the CNC machine, we needed a taller piece of wood. After ideating on the design, we decided to try a two-toned wooden planter design.

With this new design, we created two prototypes, one with the CNC router and another with the drill bit. We learned that the CNC router design took three times as long to make compared to the drill bit version.

In our user testing, we learned that users liked both designs. However, they would be willing to spend more for the CNC router version.

Given both time constraints on the CNC router, especially given COVID-19 restrictions, and pricing considerations, our team decided to produce both styles. This allowed us to deliver on time and offer a selection of planting kits at different price points to meet user needs.

In addition to local lumber yards, we purchased wood from a small-scale mill just south of Boston that sourced wood from the property. Our team selected a variety of local, high quality woods to create four different color varieties: walnut cherry, walnut cedar, tiger maple cherry, and tiger maple cedar.

Each wood was selected to create a beautiful contrast of colors; red cedar was unique and delightful, walnut was rich and dark, tiger maple was light, refreshing, and unique with it’s flame-like stripes, and cherry was a warm and medium balance.

The team worked together to manufacture 30 units within one week. This included three steps: (1) planing and joining the wood, (2) cutting and gluing the wood pieces together, and (3) preparing for and performing drilling and CNC routing.

I worked with my teammate to create and test low, medium, and high fidelity card prototypes for aesthetics, comprehension, and feasibility. After brainstorming a number of ideas, our team selected a heart shaped card to bring a feeling of love and care into the gift.

I conducted secondary research into the pollinators and seeds to create the card content. We tested these cards with MIT students to gather feedback on comprehension. Through these tests, we learned that the sun, water, and temperature variables and scales were unclear. Additionally, we heard that the text was cramped and difficult to read.

In the iterated version, changed the symbols to include sun and soil with a clear description, and we reduced the text on the card for readability.

I manufactured 90 cards with support of my team. I used a cricut machine to quickly cut each card; a process that required multiple tests and iterations. After the cards were cut and folded, my teammate and I stamped each card with the respective pollinator and drew a space for intention setting.

After identifying and ordering seeds for three pollinator populations, I developed and managed our team’s processes for efficiently packing our seed packets. With my teammate, I created 90+ seed packages.

Social Media & Website.

Our team designed our packaging to make the product feel natural and sustainable. We created an assembly line with each component prepared for consolidation. Together, our team packaged and fulfilled 30 orders, delivering to customers locally and via shipping.