OWOTO

A self-sustaining terrarium

OvervieW

ROLES:

Product design

TOOLS USED:

3D-PRINTING / FIGMA / ARDUINO

A design installation done in an intensive 5-weeks course, focusing on the methodology “Research-through-design”, at University of Oslo. The project aimed to create a design artifact tailored for the “Room of the Future”, set in the year 2049.

Bill Gaver served as a guest lecturer for the course, with his team at the Interaction Research Studio having created the 2049 flat as part of the “Rooms Through Time” exhibition at the Museum of the Home.

about

Designing a speculative artifact that is both relevant to the future of 2049 and grounded in the realities of the present day.

Challenge

Goal

To design something that feels both useful and natural within the context of the 2049 room.

the process

During the first two weeks, we explored the Research-Through-Design methodology and its various techniques, applying the Design Research Triangle and Double Diamond frameworks through an iterative process.

discover

define

develop

We were tasked with designing an object for the fictive Room of the Future, a preset space for a family of five with unique backgrounds and needs.

This required us to define our users' needs.

Annotated portfolios of own ideas and real-life examples

We then decided to investigate how "natural" and organic elements can coexist harmoniously within a technologically advanced and technology-driven home.

Our ideas were Owoto, a self-sustaining terrarium for a Magic Berry predecessor, and Aeriflower, a tech-driven flower that measures air quality.

Moodboard for both ideas

We moved onto the develop-stage after deciding on OWOTO.

prototyping I: material exploration

Materials used:

  • Arduino for lights 

  • Diffuser as water mister 

  • 3D printing for light display

  • Plaster for base

  • Clay for berries

storytelling

Context and background through scenario

prototyping II: further development

Prototyping requires creativity! Our 3D print was the scalp of a Stormtrooper model, and our dirt was made from coffee grounds and glue!

Oven baked clay coated with resin was used for the berries.

the OWOTO

Presenting OWOTO, a self-sustaining ecosystem designed to cultivate the Magic Berry, a predecessor of the Miracle Berry. Using smart technology, it regulates temperature, humidity, and pH for optimal growth—though its functionalities were purely Wizard of Oz!

OWOTO was showcased in a small exhibition before being fully deconstructed.