Radical Design Project

I designed a user-centred solution to address the lack of fresh produce on long offshore voyages. My goal was to create a compact, spill-proof, low-maintenance, and environmentally responsible system that can function reliably at sea.

Research and insights

Through the lens of the Four Pleasures, I identified key needs relating to health, mindset, crew cohesion, and sustainability. Current reliance on canned and freeze-dried provisions lacks essential nutrients, freshness, and variety, further reinforcing the need for change.

I explored Deep Water Culture, Drip systems, NFT, and Aeroponics, testing each for motion stability, water and energy efficiency, suitability for confined spaces, and overall lifecycle impact. A closed-loop, solar-powered, modular system ultimately proved to be the most viable solution.

An infographic titled 'The Problem:'. It features a quote about limited access to fresh produce during long offshore sailing trips. The infographic addresses the importance of fresh produce for sailors, highlighting physical demands, limited medical access, mental health, seasickness recovery, and preventing deficiencies. Several issues with existing food solutions like canned, dried, and MRE foods are discussed. There is a bar chart on nutrient retention in fresh, frozen, and canned foods for vitamins C and A, folate, and antioxidants.

Concept development

Diagram of a wicking and drip irrigation system with labeled parts including a drip tube, slosh sponge, label, wire strings, growing media, wicks, hook ring, strings, shock absorber, and a system with lettuce and kale plants. The diagram explains features and eco analysis with circular charts showing sustainability scores and tables with impact scores.
Diagram of a deep water culture hydroponic system with labeled features including an aquatic plant in a buoyant holder, LED grow light, solar power, solution reservoir, bubbler, wire frame, wire suspension, ball bearings, and a pendulum weight. The infographic also includes eco-analysis charts and explained components.
Diagram demonstrating nutrient film technique for hydroponic plant growing with labeled components such as nutrient pipe, bubbler, reservoir, and a system with rotation, grow light, spill tray, and boat roof bracket.
Diagram illustrating concept development of a hydroponic system with detailed components and functions.

Final design: SeaGrow Hydroponics

I developed a Deep Water Culture system supported by a swing-stabilised modular frame to prevent spills at sea. The design incorporates solar-powered, compact pods with low-maintenance components and an intuitive user experience, featuring grow lights and simple monitoring.

Diagram of a compact hydroponic system called SeaGrow Hydroponics for growing fresh produce offshore, featuring a central track with four mobile units on wheels, each with a solar panel, white arches, and grow containers, emphasizing spill-proof, space-saving, self-sufficient, marine-grade, and energy-efficient features.
Explore full portfolio