What if we used two forces to combine and make an even more engaging activity?
An Origami themed seeding and planting kit.
Context
Medical Device Innovation
UCLA Medtech
My Role
Industrial Designing, Concept Development, 3d Printing, 3d Modelling, 3d Rendering, Rapid Prototyping
Fold and Grow
Origro can be folded as young as you can fold a piece of paper. The product grows with the child, and more complex creations are available.
Product 2
ArtCenter
Spring 2017
7 Weeks
Team
Michael Kertzner, MD
Calvin Brown , PHD Computer/Computer Engineering
Jack Fernandes, MBA
Gerardo Franco, MS Mechanical Engineering
Mentor
Jeff Higashi
Dr. Wentai Liu
Ages
3+
5+
7+
9+
Family of Products
Origro exists as a family of products. The complexity of folding and instructions grows with the child, so there are always new and interesting challenges to solve.
Product Features
Biodegradable
Over prolonged use the thing breaks down and can be planted in the ground.
Hydrophilic
The foldable material rejects water instead of absorbing.
Sustainable
inks and materials created from sustainable places
Process
Overview
Identifying the problem
Children developing in urban areas often lack exposure to nature / green spaces.
How Might We...
Get children with limited resources involved in growing plants?
Research
Child Development
Problem Solving
Motor Skills
Care Taking
Phytophilia in Class
Enhanced Mood
Positive Thinking
Limited School Budget
Many schools struggle to support extracurricular activities
Observations
Origami Skills
Origami increases hand-eye coordination/learning development
Low Budget
School systems have a small budget
Lack of Greenspace
Low income demographic have less access to greenspace
Key Insights
Learning Through Origami
Introducing origami to children will stimulate their cognitive skills
Making it Available
Creating a product that works within the schools budget/funding
Growing Inside and Outside
An inclass experience doesn’t require outdoor resources
Product Features
STEAM Product
Child development
Motor skills
Problem solving
Grow Anywhere
Product that exists inside and outside
Affordable
Available in retail stores, easy, low shipping costs
Upcycling
I wanted to start simple. I started by upcycling, the act of recycling materials to serve an additional purpose. To prove concept quick, cheap and simple.
Handcutting and Laser Cutting
After experimenting with materials, I began to lasercut various patterns to discover what was fun and easy to fold.
Protofolding
After experimenting with materials, I began to lasercut various patterns to discover what was fun and easy to fold.
Folding and Exploring
After experimenting with materials, I began to lasercut various patterns to discover what was fun and easy to fold.
Sustainable Decisions
After discovering the benefits of polypropylene (cheap and durable), I had to weigh the benefits of having something long lasting and durable, vs having something semi-durable, but 100% biodegradable.
I ditched the polypropylene, and stuck with the recycled wood fiber.
Field testing
I took the most promising samples and put them through the rigorous working that most planting things go through, testing things such as drainage and soil retention.
