How might we empower people with physical or cognitive disabilities to garden more independently and enjoyably using smart technology? The solution: An inclusive and futuristic redesign of a simple gardening tool. In this case: the dibber. Traditionally used to create holes in the soil for planting seeds or bulbs, this version offers enhanced usability & is tailored to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
In a team of 3, I focused on UX-Research, the overall design concept (sketches, 3D model) as well as the UX/UI design & prototype. In the process I utilized. #Don Norman's fundamental design principles along with the #ISO’s 9241-110 dialogue principles and the #Heuristics by Jakob Nielsen. (University project). We followed the #Human-Centered Design process (ISO 9241-210) , concentrating on the first three phases.
Our team visited the HHO in Osnabrück, an organization that empowers people with disabilities by offering tailored opportunities in gardening. We conducted user observations and interviews during their work, following the #master_apprentice_model.
Main Painpoint: The Dibber
Poor body awareness due to limitations (motor skills, vision, etc.)
Frequent mistakes in judging depth due to missing feedback.
Constant switching between adjusting root length and using the dibber.
Adaptation to a wide range of mental and physical disabilities to make use not only more efficient and effective, but also more enjoyable for people having disabilities.
Light strip: gradually fills up as the rod is pressed in to the desired depth, providing a clear visual indication.
Vibration pulses: increase rhythmically up to a certain point, together with the light strip.
Nubs with Braille: convey information about plant species or the current system status.
Don Norman's fundamental design principles: Feedback: always feedback on the outcome of actions.
Heuristics by Jakob Nielsen:
Visibility of system state: appropriate feedback in appropriate time on what is happening.
Magnetic binding piece: simple mounting and dismounting, both horizontally and vertically.
Balls in the handle allow flexible adjustment to the hand position and angle.
ISO’s 9241-110 dialogue principles:
Controllability: individualization of the system.
+ Use error robustness: system supports the avoidance of errors.
Display: After selection of the seedling, the lenght and shape will adjust + status of the soil (pH value, moisture level, soil hardness etc.)
Intelligent rod: adjustment according to plant species thanks to telescopic mechanism.
ISO’s 9241-110 dialogue principles: Suitability for the user’s tasks: Functionalities specifically adapted to the task without unnecessary interaction steps.