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University design project

charliewalker444zpNlzMRTcharliewalker444zpNlzMRT Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Hi there! 
I am a student studying Industrial Design at university. For a project I have to design an 'internet of things' product, i.e. a device which can be interacted with and shares and receives data with other devices. 
I've decided to design a device which helps people to grow their own fruit and vegetables at home. Currently my design is a handheld product which has an integrated moisture sensor/probe to detect soil conditions and as a result determine how to plant and grow various fruits/vegetables/plants. It's vital that the device can be interacted with and isn't just a stand-alone thing that stays in the ground all of the time.
I don't suppose anyone has any problems that could be improved with a device of some kind? If you have any ideas please let me know!
Many thanks, 
Charlie

Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Nature has provided home gardeners with a moisture probe ( finger) . I think pansy is right and you would be better looking at commercial applications.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • charliewalker444zpNlzMRTcharliewalker444zpNlzMRT Posts: 2
    Okay, thanks for your help!

  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    Seed trays in a greenhouse can dry in hours and the seedlings fail. I’d value a device that could monitor moisture level in multiple seed trays and through witchcraft or whatever it is you do, send a warning alert to my iPad or phone.
    Rutland, England
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    What I'd really like is a device that reliably gives me a 5 minute warning of when it's going to start raining, so that I can get the washing in off the line :smiley: . It's been in and out several times today when it looked like rain, but then didn't actually rain so back out it went, until the next time the skies turned dark.......
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Or a watering timer that pings me a message when the battery needs replacing. The current (cheap) one flashes but it's not visible unless I push aside the Fatsia. Although, now that I think on it, the battery always seems to go on the hottest day of the year, so I should be able to work it out.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • SydRoySydRoy Posts: 167
    JennyJ said:
    What I'd really like is a device that reliably gives me a 5 minute warning of when it's going to start raining, so that I can get the washing in off the line :smiley: . It's been in and out several times today when it looked like rain, but then didn't actually rain so back out it went, until the next time the skies turned dark.......
    LOL!
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    JennyJ said:
    Or a watering timer that pings me a message when the battery needs replacing. The current (cheap) one flashes but it's not visible unless I push aside the Fatsia. Although, now that I think on it, the battery always seems to go on the hottest day of the year, so I should be able to work it out.
    What you need is this
    https://www.netweather.tv/live-weather/radar

    It shows where the rain has been, how heavy it was and most importantly where it's heading. 
    I always refer to it before walkies and it's saved me from a good soaking on many occasions
    Unfortunately it doesn't ping, but if it looks like it might rain it'll give you a good idea

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Nope, netweather sometimes shows rain when all we're actually getting is a black cloud.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I like the idea of the washing alert😊
    In London. Keen but lazy.
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