Exchange seeds to promote biodiversity at social events
Design should always strive to be grounded in one’s local environment and reflect on existing biological principles. The team started reflecting upon their local environment by taking a nature hike around Astino Valley led by volunteers from Orto Botanico di Bergamo. It was interesting to note certain phenomena such as an artificial pond built to promote local frog population and mitigate mosquito growth, and a green parking lot that allowed for more pollination from cars/people.
The principle of pollination was of particular interest to the team which allowed them to frame their “How Might We” statement. They explored pollination not just in the literal sense of the word, but also metaphorically. Their concept integrated seed exchange and local biodiversity education for social events. The students also drew inspiration from biological mentors centered around seed storage and exchange for local Astino Valley plants such as Lesser Burdock and Clark’s Nutcracker.
They started by sketching out concepts and prototyping different mechanisms for seed storage. “Bodystorming” the interaction of sharing seeds between two individuals was instrumental in validating the concept since the placement of the artifact and motion of seed sharing needed to feel natural. The final artifact is an event in which each individual collects an envelope with a “seed wristband.” The wristband contains local seeds to Bergamo. The individual must then find a companion to share seeds with by rubbing their wristband on their companion’s collector pouch. We have also designed a companion mobile application in which each individual can add people they’ve met from the event and learn about the seeds they’ve collected.
