What it does
Sow Wish’ converts fallen leaves into biodegradable blessings. Scanning QR codes links material decay to digital wish-fulfillment as nutrients return to soil, creating dual cycles: Material: leaves→blessings→soil Cultural: wishes→growth→renewal
Your inspiration
The inspiration for my design stems from a dual insight into the wisdom of natural cycles and the contemporary challenges facing traditional blessing rituals. Observing the zero-waste, "return-to-soil" lifecycle of urban fallen leaves, alongside the cultural-ecological conflict where synthetic fiber and plastic blessing ornaments damage trees, inspired me to reimagine green waste as "urban mineral resources." This led to reinterpreting the philosophy of "fallen leaves returning to their roots" —creating a symbiotic metaphor between wish manifestation and material degradation.
How it works
Urban fallen leaves—natural nutrients turned waste—are upcycled using modified bamboo fiber tech and starch adhesive (60% degradation in 30 days, complete in 60). Users scan QR codes when hanging blessings; upon full decay, the app notifies: 'Your wish has rooted—may it blossom.' This ties material cycles to emotional fulfillment, creating an ecological loop: Sow→Grow→Return→Rebirth.
Design process
First, we solidified the design concept. Next, we conducted appearance design for the four symbolic elements (Fortune, Prosperity, Longevity, and Bond), performing iterative size and weight testing to determine optimal parameters for successfully tossing and lodging them onto tree branches. Following this, we created 3D models and renderings of the four blessing strips to refine their visual design. Concurrently, we designed the digital feedback mini-program’s workflow and UI, establishing this user journey: Sustainable cycle introduction Wish-Aiding Action Selecting a symbolic wish (Fortune/Prosperity/Longevity/Bond) Receiving physical strip QR code pairing (binding digital identity) "Seed-a-Wish Tree" upload We then proceeded to physical prototype fabrication, retesting two hanging methods: Toss-and-lodge technique (validating branch adhesion) Tie-on method Both methods were evaluated alongside the digital mini-program to verify viability and sustainability metrics.
How it is different
While competitors focus on material swaps or disposable rituals, our system creates lasting engagement through: Waste-to-Blessing Alchemy Transforms fallen leaves into durable-yet-degradable strips (1-2 months), closing the loop: Leaves → Blessings → Soil nutrients Philosophy: "To bless is to sustain life’s cycles." Digital Wish Fulfillment QR scanning triggers: Real-time degradation tracking "Your wish has rooted" notification Guided strip relocation to nourish trees Physical decay = Psychological fulfillment Dual Regeneration Engine Material Cycle: Degraded strips → Tree nutrients Cultural Cycle: Hanging → Manifestation → Ecological return Elevates blessings from symbolism to regenerative practice.
Future plans
In the future, I aim to expand the product line into festival/prayer-themed derivatives and multi-scenario applications (e.g., wishing walls, weddings). Designs will adapt to global cultures, and raw materials can be extended to diverse waste streams. The business model encompasses public-private partnerships, custom services, and a mini-program ecosystem. Technological iterations can focus on optimizing material performance, smart triggering of degradation tracking, and leveraging user data insights.
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