DESIGN THINKING & INNOVATION LAB

VIGNAN’S INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING FOR WOMEN (A) :: VISAKHAPATNAM

(Approved by AICTE, Affiliated to JNT University-GV, Vizianagaram)

 VIGNAN’S INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING FOR WOMEN (A)
(Approved by AICTE, Affiliated to JNT University -GV, Vizianagaram)
Kapujaggarajupeta , VSEZ (P.O), Visakhapatnam -530 049 .A.P

APRIL 2025

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the Project entitled “Smart Grow+: The Heart of Green Cities” that is
being submitted by Karri Likhitha Pranavi (23NM1A0467) is a record of work carried out for
the course Design Thinking & Innovation.

Signature of the Internal Examiner Signature of HOD

Signature of the External Examiner

 INDEX PAGE

1. Introduction
2. Selection of SDG & Motivation
3. Flow and planning from idea to innovation
4. Specifications / Modeling.
5. Simulation Results/ Design/ Output
6. Developing & Testing Prototypes.
 1. Introduction

Design Thinking is a human-centered, iterative approach to solving problems creatively. It is

needed to tackle real-world challenges effectively, balancing human needs, technological
possibilities, and business requirements. It ensures solutions are not only functional but also
impactful and sustainable.

Significance of Design Thinking:

 Addresses complex problems
 Human centered solutions
 Encourage creativity & innovation
 Promote collaboration
 Reduces risk of Failure
 Adaptable to change
 Enhances problem-solving skills

Elements of Design thinking:

Stage 1: Empathize

The first stage is Empathize, in this step, designers puts themselves in the user's world to gain a deep
understanding of their needs, motivations, and pain points. This Stage involves various research methods,
such as ethnographic studies, contextual inquiries, and user interviews.

By empathizing with the target audience, designers can challenge their own assumptions and uncover
insights that may not be immediately apparent. This human centric approach ensures that the solutions
developed are grounded in real world experiences and address user problems.
Stage 2: Define

Once a comprehensive understanding of the user has been established, the next Stage is Define. Here,
designers use the insights that were gathered during the Empathize Stage and they articulate the problem
statement or design challenge. This becomes important because it brings everybody in the design team on
the same page when it comes it what problem they are solving.

Defining the problem is a crucial step, as it sets the foundation for the rest of the design process. A well
defined problem statement helps to align the team, focus their efforts, and ensure that the solutions
developed are relevant and impactful.

Stage 3: Ideate

The Ideation Stage is where creativity takes center stage. Now the designers have a deep understanding of
the user and a clearly defined problem statement, because of this designers can easily engage in
brainstorming sessions and collaborative ideation activities to generate a wide range of potential
solutions.

During this Stage, designers are encouraged to think outside the box, suspend judgement, and explore
unconventional ideas. Techniques such as mind mapping, storyboarding, and bodystorming can be used
to bring up divergent thinking and innovative ideas.

Stage 4: Prototype

In the Prototyping Stage, the most promising ideas generated during the Ideate Stage are converted into
testable prototypes. Prototyping can range from low fidelity sketches and wireframes to high fidelity
interactive mockups, depending on the stage of the design process and the specific requirements.

The primary purpose of prototyping is to validate design concepts and gather feedback from users. By
iterating on prototypes, designers can refine their solutions, identify potential issues, and ensure that the
final product meets the user's needs and expectations.

Stage 5: Test

The final Stage of the Design Thinking Process is Test, where the prototypes are put to the test with real
users. User testing sessions provide invaluable feedback, allowing designers to identify usability issues,
uncover missed opportunities, and gather insights for further improvement.
 2. Selection of SDG & Motivation

2.1 Selection of SDG:

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by
the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
They aim to address major global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate
change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. The overall aim is to promote
prosperity while protecting the planet, ensuring that development today does not
compromise the needs of future generations.

The choice of SDG 11 – “Sustainable Cities and Communities” – is crucial in today's

rapidly urbanizing world. SDG 11 aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and
sustainable. This goal covers a wide range of targets, including access to affordable
housing, sustainable transportation, reduction of environmental impact, and better
urban planning.

2.2 Survey on Selected SDG:

Through the survey it is understood that with the rapid growth of urban populations,
cities face increasing challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, inadequate
infrastructure, and lack of affordable housing.

The key targets of SDG 11are Ensuring access to safe and affordable housing for all,
Providing safe, affordable, and sustainable public transport, Reducing environmental
impact of cities (e.g., air pollution, waste), Enhancing inclusive urban planning and
management, Protecting cultural and natural heritage, Reducing the number of people
affected by disasters, Improving access to green and public spaces.
2.3 Problem Identification:
Rapid urbanization has led to increased pressure on housing, energy consumption,
water resources, and waste management in cities. Traditional home systems often rely
on non-renewable resources, contribute to environmental pollution, and are not
designed with sustainability in mind. This has resulted in high carbon emissions,
inefficient resource use, and rising utility costs for households. There is an urgent need
for innovative, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly housing solutions that
align with the goals of sustainable urban development.

2.4 Existing Solutions for the identified problem:

Solar power systems-Many homes now use rooftop solar panels to generate electricity,
reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering energy bills. Some systems also
include solar water heaters. Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store rainwater
from rooftops for domestic use, irrigation and for other purposes. This helps reduce
water demand on municipal supplies and promotes water conservation.

2.5 Areas of improvement in the existing solution:

While existing solutions have made progress in promoting sustainability in homes,
there are several areas that need improvement. Sustainable technologies often work in
isolation (e.g., solar panels not integrated with smart energy management).The
improvement can be design integrated systems that combine solar, water recycling,
energy storage, and smart controls for maximum efficiency. Many homeowners lack
awareness about sustainable options or how to use them effectively.Improvement can
be done by promoting awareness campaigns, workshops, and community programs to
educate people on the benefits and proper use of sustainable systems.
2.6 Tool to describe the problem:
Empathy map tool is used to understand and describe the problem.
SAYS (What do they say?)
“I want to reduce my carbon footprint.”
“I hope this lowers my electricity bill.”
“Can I control my home’s energy remotely?”
“How much energy do my appliances consume?”
DOES (What actions do they take?)
Checks energy consumption data via mobile apps or smart meters.
Compares monthly energy bills to track savings.
Researches or invests in renewable energy options like solar panels.
Shares experiences with friends or online communities.
THINKS (What do they think?)
“How much energy am I using daily?”
“Can this system lower my electricity bills?”
“Is this system reliable and easy to use?”
“How much will it cost upfront?”
FEELS (What emotions do they experience?)
Excitement – Thrilled to use smart features and automation.
Control – Empowered by real-time monitoring and optimization.
Concern – Worries about installation costs and system compatibility.
Satisfaction – Feels good about saving money and helping the environment

2.7 Motivation:
The motivation behind developing a Smart Home System stems from the growing
need to create more sustainable, energy-efficient, and comfortable living
environments. As cities continue to expand and resources become more strained,
traditional housing systems are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of urban
life.Smart home systems offer an innovative solution by integrating technology,
 automation, and sustainability. These systems help monitor and control energy
consumption while reducing environmental impact and improving quality of life.

3. Flow and planning from idea to innovation

3.1 Innovation Phase(Orange Section)

The idea for this project emerged from noticing that while many people enjoy having
plants, they often find it difficult to care for them regularly due to their busy lifestyles.
To solve this issue, we are creating a smart gardening system that monitors soil
moisture, manages watering schedules, and offers user control through a mobile app.
Our aim is to simplify gardening, encourage a stronger connection with nature, and
support water conservation through automated solutions.

3.1.1 Evaluation of solutions to select an idea (tools SWOT analysis can be used)
Strengths:
Water Efficiency: Optimizes water usage by delivering the right amount at the
right time, reducing waste.
Remote Accessibility: Users can control irrigation from anywhere via mobile
apps, offering convenience and flexibility.
Real-time Monitoring: Provides live data on soil moisture, weather, and system
status, leading to informed decisions.
Automation: Reduces the need for manual labor with automated schedules and
responses to environmental conditions.
Weaknesses:
High Initial Cost: Installation and setup of sensors, controllers, and mobile
systems can be expensive.
Technical Dependence: Requires internet connectivity, power supply, and
technical know-how for operation and troubleshooting.
 Maintenance: Sensors and systems need regular calibration and upkeep, which
can be challenging for non-tech-savvy users.
Compatibility Issues: May not integrate easily with older irrigation systems or
different mobile platforms.
Opportunities:
Growing Demand for Precision Agriculture: Rising awareness and demand for
efficient farming techniques support adoption.
Government Support: Many regions offer subsidies or incentives for sustainable
and smart farming technologies.
Integration with IoT & AI: Advanced analytics, weather forecasting, and AI can
enhance system performance and decision-making.
Urban Landscaping & Home Gardening: Expanding market beyond agriculture to
urban green spaces and smart homes.
Threats:
1. Cybersecurity Risks: Mobile interfaces and cloud connections can be
vulnerable to hacking or data breaches.
2. Market Competition: Increasing number of tech providers may saturate the
market, driving down prices and profits.
3. Technology Obsolescence: Rapid innovation may make systems outdated
quickly, requiring frequent upgrades.
4. User Resistance: Farmers in rural or low-tech regions may be hesitant or unable
to adopt the system due to lack of skills or infrastructure.

3.1.2 Steps for developing the prototype of the selected idea:

Steps to Develop a Smart Gardening System Using Tinkercad

Get to Know Tinkercad

Explore Tinkercad’s interface, focusing on the Circuits and 3D Design sections.
review tutorials to understand how to use components and build electronic
circuits.
Start a New Project
Create a new circuit design within Tinkercad for your smart gardening system.
Choose the Required Components
Select essential components for your system, such as:
Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino Uno)
Soil Moisture Sensor
Temperature and Humidity Sensor (optional)
Water Pump (for watering)
Relay Module (to control the pump)
LEDs (for indicators)
Resistors (if needed for sensors)
Breadboard (for circuit assembly)
Assemble the Circuit
Place all components on the Tinkercad workspace.
Connect the soil moisture sensor to one of the analog input pins on the Arduino.
Link the water pump to the relay module, and control the relay using a digital pin.
Attach LEDs to indicate different states (e.g., low moisture, watering in progress).
Write the code
Use the Tinkercad coding interface or the code editor to write the Arduino sketch.
Include logic for reading the moisture levels, activating the pump when the soil is
dry, and sending notifications or updating indicators through LEDs.
Test the code within Tinkercad’s simulation environment.
Run the Simulation
Click “Start Simulation” to observe how your system behaves.
Check sensor values and pump activation, and fine-tune your setup as needed.
Refine and Improve
Make necessary adjustments to your circuit and code based on simulation results.
Ensure that the system responds correctly to varying soil moisture levels.
Incorporate a Mobile App Concept
Think about how a mobile app could interact with your system (conceptually
within Tinkercad). Document how the mobile interface will communicate with
your hardware (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.)
 4. Specifications / Modeling.

4.1 Block Diagram/ Model Design

 4.2 Description
The Smart Indoor Gardening System is an automated plant-watering setup designed to
simplify home gardening and improve efficiency. Its primary goal is to ensure that
indoor plants receive the correct amount of water at the right time, reducing the need
for constant manual care. This not only supports healthier plant growth but also helps
save water—making it ideal for people with busy lifestyles.

At the core of the system is a soil moisture sensor that measures the moisture level in
the soil. A potentiometer allows the user to set a preferred moisture threshold, which
can be adjusted based on the specific needs of the plant. When the soil’s moisture
drops below this threshold, the system checks water availability through a push button
(serving as a simulated water-level sensor). If water is present, a motor connected via a
relay module is triggered to irrigate the plant.

An I2C LCD display provides real-time updates, showing the soil moisture percentage
and whether the plant is currently being watered. The serial monitor functions as a
basic mobile interface, offering live feedback on system operations. The number of
watering events is tracked and saved using EEPROM memory, preserving the data
even after a system reset.

This eco-conscious project encourages smart water usage and supports sustainable
living. In the future, it can be enhanced with additional features like **Wi-Fi or
Bluetooth connectivity, mobile app control, or integration with rainwater harvesting
systems.

4.3 Tool to design the model

Tinkercad is used to design and simulate this model. It is a web-based, beginner-
friendly platform that allows users to easily create and test electronic circuits. With its
drag-and-drop interface, Tinkercad simplifies circuit design and is especially helpful
for those new to electronics. It also includes 3D modeling features, which can be
useful for designing custom parts or enclosures. Since Tinkercad is free and doesn’t
require installation, it can be accessed from any device with an internet connection,
making it ideal for both prototyping and learning.

In this project, Tinkercad was used to build and simulate the automatic plant watering
system, allowing us to test how components like the soil moisture sensor,
potentiometer, relay, LCD, and motor interact with each other. It enabled us to verify
the code and circuit connections before physical construction, saving time and helping
to avoid potential mistakes.

5. Simulation Results/ Design Output

6. Developing & Testing Prototypes
Problem Solution Unique Value Unfair Advantage Customer
Proposition Segments
-Many plant
owners Unique moisture
-The smart
struggle to sensors that provide
gardening Automate plant
provide accurate readings
system care with real- -Homeowners
and smart watering
consistent automates time soil
solutions tailored to
care for their plant care by monitoring and -Urbanites
each plant's needs.
plants. using soil personalized
-Hectic moisture watering -Eco-
schedules
sensors and a schedules, consumers
water pump promoting
often lead to -Techies
to provide healthier growth
neglect or the right and reducing
incorrect amount of water waste—
-Families
watering water. all managed
-Growers
habits. -It easily through
-This can continuously an intuitive
cause either checks soil mobile app.
overwatering moisture
or levels and
underwaterin activates
watering
g, which
when
harms the
necessary.
plants' health. -users are
As a result, plants having the
may suffer from option to
wilting, stunted control the
growth, or even die. system via a
mobile app.
Key Metrics Channels

-Soil
Moisture Online Stores,
-Threshold
Social Media
Adjustment
-Watering platforms,
Monitoring Gardening
-Response
Time Influencers,
-Water Email Marketing,
Efficiency
-User Retail,
Engagement Partnerships,
Events/
Workshops.