Tasked to design an artifact that would enhance the space and/or relationship between species, the team developed HumFlow, a prototype alarm clock designed for farmers in the Astino Valley of Bergamo. HumFlow notifies farmers when their tomato crops are under stress due to changing weather conditions, such as impending floods or droughts. By translating plant distress signals into a universal language, HumFlow not only safeguards produce in the Astino gardens but also opens new possibilities for communication between humans and plants.
The project was inspired by plants’ ability to communicate through frequency shifts in their vibrational signals. Plants already emit a low vibrational musical frequency that can be detected with vibration sensors underground. When under osmotic stress due to a change in water availability their vibrational frequencies change. Over long periods of time, this shift would be received by the underground sensors and re-routed as an understandable harmony.
The device operates across three distinct zones:
To close the communication loop, farmers can send specific "healing frequencies" back to their crops via a knob on the alarm clock. These frequencies are combinations of scientifically proven notes known to reduce stress in plants, creating a two-way interaction.
Through this project, the team gained a deep appreciation for integrating scientific research and mentorship into design prototyping. Guidance from biological mentors helped in understanding the broader implications of interspecies communication and inspired future possibilities for innovative collaborations.
Special Thanks to our Instructors this week: Rebeca Mora + Norris Hung
