FINAL YEAR PROJECT
Noko is a simple hydroponic tower system, designed for urban farming novices. It addresses SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. It is a vertical hydroponic system, allowing it to cultivate a high vegetable yield while occupying a minimal footprint.
Its stylish and minimalist design makes it able to seamlessly integrate into any home. The compact dimensions make it well suited for small living spaces. Additionally, it provides a simple learning service to guide beginners in urban farming.
PROJECT DETAILS
Noko is a smart urban farming system designed for my Industrial Design degree final year project. Created in response to SDG3 (Good Health and Well-Being), Noko targets city-dwelling millennials and young professionals who want to grow their own food in a compact, user-friendly way. The system makes urban farming accessible to beginners by simplifying food cultivation for those with limited space and time. The key objectives are to bring nature back into urban homes, make home gardening simple and time-efficient, and enhance user mood and well-being through daily interaction with plants.
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Despite the global push for sustainability, three critical "friction points" prevent city dwellers from growing their own food:
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The Knowledge Gap:
High technical entry barriers make urban farming feel inaccessible to the average person. -
Time Poverty:
Demanding modern schedules leave zero room for the intensive maintenance required by traditional gardening. -
Spatial Constraints:
Shrinking apartment footprints in high-density cities have made horizontal gardening a logistical impossibility.
TARGET AUDIENCE: The Modern Urbanite
NOKO is built for city-dwellers, such as millennials and young professionals, who want to take control of their food consumption but have no yard, limited time, and zero experience.
DESIGN STATEMENT: Farming, Redefined
Most indoor farming feels too technical or takes up too much space. Noko redefines the experience by making it simple, vertical, and automatic. It is a user-friendly way to enjoy fresh, nutritious produce and a more self-sufficient lifestyle, even in the smallest apartment.
PROJECT
Personal
YEAR
2024
TIME SPAN
8 months
DESIGNER INSPIRATION
I find great admiration for Shigeru Ban's designs, particularly the forms he creates with paper tubes. His innovative use of paper tubes not only results in aesthetically pleasing pieces but also serves a practical purpose. Ban has ingeniously found a way to leverage these materials to rapidly construct temporary shelters that can later be recycled, aligning with the principles of sustainable development goals. His ability to merge artistic vision with social and environmental consciousness is truly commendable.
Noko App
The Noko app empowers users to easily manage their urban farming setup. With the app, you can conveniently adjust grow light settings, monitor pH levels, and check water temperatures.
