The problem statement that I discovered through experience, field research, user testing and surveying was split into two sections, the first being the user experience of hydrating while planting. Because the job is paid by trees planted, the incentive to move quickly urges most planters to eliminate weight and therefore leave their water at “home base” while working, taking infrequent breaks to hydrate. In this post I’ve displayed my computer generated renderings, sketching process, and prototype exploration for the attachment-piece and bottle holder that anchors to the back side of planting bags.
The jug that I designed to work with the tree planting hydration system had a few goals to accomplish based on my research and personal findings from field experience. This jug must hold up to 2 gallons for hot days, remain cool for 10+ hours in the outdoors and finally, to function as a stool. This design repositions the handles of existing 2 gallon Coleman’s by creating a helix leg and grab point for drinking and pouring upside down. The black areas imply interaction zones, while the negative spaces imply the affordance or function in this case.
Final scale, prototype functional features and environments of use
