The Elm Watering Can
What? Human factors study going indepth on a Watering Can
When? 5 Week long Personal project, Fall 2020
With Whom? Person Project
Tools? Contextual & Human Factors Research, User Testing, Sketch Ideation, 3D Physical Development, Solidworks, Keyshot, Photoshop.
OBJECTIVE
Utilizing human factors studies, research, and user testing. This project strove to find a better solution to the in-home watering can. Specifically for a wide variety of indoor house plants medium to small sizes.
Challenges
01 | Finding a comfortable handle and container shape.
02 | Finding the proper weight.
03 | Designing for the natural walking and pouring position.
RESEARCH
01 | Human Factors Task, Flow, and Hierarchical Analysis
02 | User Map, Personas, DSL/Mood Boards
03 | 3D Model making for our User Testing
John Gibson
Plant Enthusiast
Overview |
John’s love for plants stemmed from his grandmother who taught him everything that he knows. Even though he did have that amazing experience with her as a child and has been taking care of plants ever since he still hasn’t found the best watering can.
Age | 28
Customer Base | Everyday user
Workspace | Works from home, Illustration
Job to be done | Taking care of his 30+ Plants
Favorite Tool | Loves his moister meter
DSL BOARD
MOOD BOARD
2D EXPLORATION
Exploration of shapes and handle design for the product. Incorporating ideas like; adjustable top handle for comfort and use, concave top for better refill capability, and gooseneck spout for more accurate pouring.
Concept 1
Overview | 3D Ideation using PVC, Copper Tubbing, and gaff tape for the handle.
Experience | Expert Users
Job to be done | Prototype User Testing & Weight Study
Concept 2
Overview | 3D Ideation using PVC, Copper Tubbing, and gaff tape for the handle.
Experience | Expert Users
Job to be done | Prototype User Testing & Weight Study
Concept 3
Overview | 3D Ideation using PVC, Copper Tubbing, and gaff tape for the handle.
Experience | Expert Users
Job to be done | Prototype User Testing & Weight Study
User Testing
Stump Plants | Savannah, GA
Overview |
During this user testing session, I meet with Emily and Ben, the two owners of the Stump plant store located in Savannah, GA. We initially started with using each of the three prototypes. The main discussion centered around handle comfort, ease of pouring, and walking posture.
Next, they tested three weights to gauge the potential size of the watering can overall.
Experience | Expert Users
Job to be done | Prototype User Testing & Weight Study
Features and Touch
Elm Watering Can
Handle | Flat metal and wood combination handle for maximum comfort and flexibility in use.
Re-Filling | Concave top allows for minimal water spillage.
Spout | Gooseneck design for accurate pouring and water distribution.
Further Development
The Elm Watering Can
Further User Testing | Continuing this project further I plan to meet again with Emily and Ben to continue some more user testing and further development of this project.
Further Design Development | After meeting with Emily, Ben, and other user testers I plan to find a potential manufacturer for this product and build that experience and connection.
Manufacturing Goal | By the end of 2021 I hope to have manufactured this product. GOTTA SET A GOAL!
Softwares Utilized
