Nova Bloom

What it does

This design offers a smart, space-saving gardening kit that helps Gen Z grow their own food indoors. It solves the problem of limited space and time management, and can also gain gardening knowledge with fun, interactive with beginner-friendly features.

Your inspiration

This idea was inspired by my family’s passion for gardening. Growing up in a family who loved gardening, I saw the joy, connection, and health benefits it brought. As a Gen Z living in an urban environment that has a busy lifestyle, I found it difficult to follow the same path due to limited space, time, and a fast-paced digital lifestyle. I wanted to create a modern, tech-friendly solution that makes gardening easier, more enjoyable, and aligned with how my generation lives. This project encourages Gen Z to adopt a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle by growing their own food at home instead of relying on store-bought produce.

How it works

This design is a smart, compact indoor gardening kit created for Gen Z living in limited urban spaces. It combines technology and simplicity to make growing food at home easier and more engaging. The kit includes built-in LED grow lights that provide the necessary light for plants to growth, even in spaces with little natural sunlight. A self-watering system keeps the soil consistently moist, reducing the need for daily care. Integrated sensors monitor key conditions like soil moisture, light intensity, and temperature. These readings are sent to a connected mobile app for monitoring. The app allows users to track plant growth, receive care reminders, and follow step-by-step guides tailored to their plant type. It also includes tips, notifications, and gamified features to keep users motivated. With this system, users can successfully grow herbs, leafy greens, or microgreens while learning about sustainability and healthy living in a fun, convenient way.

Design process

The design process began with research into the challenges Gen Z face in adopting urban gardening, especially in limited living spaces. I started by conducting background studies on sustainable farming trends, Gen Z lifestyle habits, and existing gardening products. To validate my findings, I carried out a survey involving around 60 Gen Z participants to better understand their needs, preferences, and gardening habits. I also conducted in-depth interviews with three expert individuals from the agriculture and gardening industry to gain professional insights into the barriers beginners face and the features that could support them. Based on the collected data, I developed early design sketches and mood boards that reflected the modern, tech-savvy lifestyle of Gen Z. My first prototype included a basic indoor planter with LED lights. After reviewing initial feedback, I improved the design with a self-watering system, smart sensors, and a companion app that provides care tips, reminders, and progress tracking to support users. Through refinements, I focused on improving functionality, user-friendliness, compactness, and aesthetic appeal. The result is a smart, beginner-friendly indoor gardening kit that helps Gen Z grow their own food while promoting sustainability and well-being.

How it is different

Unlike conventional gardening kits that are often simple, outdoor-based, or lack technological integration, this design is specifically created for Gen Z living in urban environments with limited space and time. What makes it truly different is its combination of smart features and lifestyle-driven design. It includes built-in sensors that monitor soil moisture, temperature, and light, and a self-watering system that reduces daily maintenance. Paired with a mobile app, the system offers more than just reminder and includes interactive tutorials, gamified challenges, progress tracking, and social sharing features that keep users engaged and motivated. The compact and customisable design also allows users to personalise their kit to match their space and style. More than a gardening tool, it’s a smart solution that makes gardening fun, educational, and sustainable for Gen Z that blending technology, convenience, and personalisation for modern living.

Future plans

The next step is to develop a fully functional prototype featuring smart sensors, a self-watering system, and an interactive mobile app for real-time monitoring. I plan to conduct user testing with Gen Z participants to gather insights and improve both functionality and user experience. I also aim to explore eco-friendly materials, expand plant compatibility, and enhance app features such as gamification, tutorials, and community interaction. In the future, I plan to pursue a master’s level to deepen my knowledge in sustainable design and smart agriculture, enabling me to scale and commercialise this solution for broader impact.

Awards