Final year project
ACCUGROW - An Embedded Soil-Nitrate Tester for Helping Farmers Optimise their Fertilisation Practices
ACCUGROW - Embedded Soil-Nitrate Tester
Overfertilisation of agriculture can have devastating effects on the environment due to nitrate leaching which leads to pollution of groundwater and eutrophication/algal blooms. Additionally, with the price of fertiliser at an all-time high, it is more important than ever for farmers to optimise their fertiliser applications. Accugrow is embedded into the soil at the start of the growing season, where it takes continuous nitrate readings at various depths throughout the year. This gives the farmer information relating to the movement of nitrates through their soil over time, empowering them to make more suitable decisions for the environment and their business in future. Accugrow was designed and iterated over the course of the final year with constant dialogue and feedback from agricultural experts.
ACCUGROW - Partnered App
To emulate the user experience of ACCUGROW, a prototype app was developed using Figma. The app was iterated several times using expert feedback and observations from user testing. The high contrast colour scheme allows the app to be useable on sunny days, while the map gives a clear visual representation of the current health of the farmer's field. Colour coded graphs give insights into past readings, as well as future predictions and recommendations.
ACCUGROW - Functionality Prototyping
To obtain accurate data from the soil-water sample, ACCUGROW uses optical sensors to monitor a chemical reaction which is automated through microfluidics. This detection system was fabricated and rigorously tested several times in order to minimise reagent usage and optimise detection accuracy. The components were coded using C++ and Arduino, and the final prototype was fabricated using a combination of laser cutting and 3D printing.
MYFIRST - Upgrading the Experience of Growing Vegetables for Kids
MYFIRST is a series of intelligent vegetable planters which encourage children to engage with sustainable eating practices by “gamifying” the planting and maintenance of vegetables. The low power LCD screen displays the growth stage of the vegetable as well as illustrates its needs - if the light, temperature, or moisture level is not quite right, MYFIRST will let you know through a personified avatar. Designed in response to a week-long brief set by DCA consultants.
MYFIRST - How it Works
“MyFirst” uses a combination of sensors and A.I technology to recognise the maintenance requirements and the growth stage of a known vegetable. Three LDRs, a thermistor and a moisture sensor are used to monitor the ambient and soil conditions, which influence the avatar expressions. Readings from a pressure sensor are combined with a.i technology to estimate the growth phase of the vegetable, which influences the size/growth stage of the avatar.
EMBRÄCE - Reducing the Stigma Surrounding Medical Neck Braces
Embarrassment, shame, and discomfort are common reasons for muscular dystrophy sufferers refusing to wear their neck braces. EMBRÄCE utilises 3D printing technology to provide a solution that is custom fit for each individual user, with a structure which allows for high strength, while remaining lighter and less cumbersome than existing solutions. Inspiration for the design came from looking at jewellery, with the idea that the neck brace should be seen as a fashion accessory rather than a medical device.
AEROPRESS PROJECT - Automating a Manual Coffee Maker
The AeroPress project was a group activity with a joint focus placed on both mechanics and electronics. The aim of the project was to automate a traditionally manual coffee maker, the AeroPress. Our ambitious mindset led to our design of a fully automated system with handsfree selection, various brew strengths and a built-in water reservoir.
ENERGY HERO - Encouraging Energy Saving Habits Through Gamification
ENERGY HERO is a smart app which utilises smart meter data to provide a gamified experience of energy saving. The user is encouraged to engage with energy-saving habits and rewarded with upgrades to their virtual and AR-based worlds. The app is designed for 7–11-year-olds, following the discovery of key insights suggesting that habits learned at a young age are more likely to be carried on to later life.
Tom Hufton
Final year project
ACCUGROW - An Embedded Soil-Nitrate Tester for Helping Farmers Optimise their Fertilisation Practices
Work Experience
During my placement year 2020 - 2021, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to join up-and-coming tech start-up theUp.co where I worked as a key member of a small but adaptable design team. Due to the start-up nature of the placement, I was exposed to a wide array of design disciplines as well as gained a deeper understanding of tech, hospitality and business as a whole. While working there the company experienced huge growth and I was able to work in partnership with brands such as Diageo and Westfield London.