A fantastic idea Frankie, so many layers and opportunities in here.  Can you provide a little more information/ details on how it would double up as a counter top.  Love the multi functionality,  just trying to visualise how it would work, size and materials etc..

Thank you! 

My product will essentially work by being about the size of a standard greeting/postcard whilst will be able to open up and sit on the user's benchtop for easy accessibility. The seeds will be placed and sealed in between two sheets of homemade paper to ensure they both have a suitable place to grow and so they do not fall out in transit. 

I was planning to make this a domestic product as I assume it will be quite difficult to navigate which countries have stronger bans and procedures. I am still open to making this an international product but will do some more research before I make that decision. A great idea about the artwork for the cards I will be sure to incorporate that idea somehow.

Regarding the 2D/QR code, I was planning to create a website to pair with my physical product which could be easily accessed by scanning a QR code on the product. This website would give directions on how to best use the product, troubleshooting tips, about the plants, and possible uses for the plants. I may expand and include more ideas if I need to. 

Thank you for all the ideas and advice!

Frankie- I suggest that you check the Botanic Gardens shop. I think they have associated products.

https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/facility/garden-shop-0

I love how unique this idea is and could absolutely see this being an actual product. I think this would be a self-contained product with the microgreens being grown inside the card, but I feel like this could limit the possible things that could be grown. Perhaps it could be modified to be instead placed on top of a small amount of soil, which might allow for a greater range of native plants to be grown whilst still keeping the core concept.

Regardless amazing work and I hope you continue to pursue design as a potential career

What a creative idea, Frankie! I love it.

I would certainly buy a card that reduces waste, promotes sustainability, as well as being edible and beautiful to look at!  One consideration is the moisture required for growing the seeds on the bed. What sort of material were you intending to use as the base/ sunken area? 

I noticed wood is being used and recycled materials, as wood would not contain the water/moisture and the benchtop would get wet, would make the card not reusable if the timber base got moldy, possibly damage the benchtop, and require more watering.

I have used plastic and glass options for growing beds. My preference is glass because it always grows better for me and fresher, but the glass option would be heavier and more expensive and add many other issues like manufacturing, postage, fragility, and weight, but it would be reusable.

Friends have used plastic grow trays with no issues which would be lighter and more durable, as well as contain the water for seeds to grow happy and healthy, hold the moisture in, and don't seep onto the countertop. Perhaps made from recycled plastic to keep with the sustainable idea - I don't know anything about that area, sorry. 

I wish you the best of luck with pursuing this wonderful idea of making more sustainable greeting cards!

Monique

Good evening Frankie. 

Great update on your project image. Hope you are enjoying being part of this years' UpRising.

Sending out a little UpRising news update. 

Hi there Frankie, congratulations, you are nearly there, hope all is going well.

We are sending out a little request - if you could update the image on your Post to show a little collage of your projects development that would be fantastic. We will be awarding the top three UpRising design projects for 2024 and the UpRising alliance and community love to see the journey of your design.

There is a little feedback survey, if you could fill it in that would fantastic as it really helps us to understand how we can better help next years design students.

https://forms.gle/XLgNBqQepAw2Go5q7

It also has an option for you to select if you would like to continue to be involved in UpRising next year and beyond. Lots of interesting ways to continue to build connections within the design industry. Great for your resume and career paths.

Wishing you all the best with your trials and finishing touches on your MDP.

Shout out if we can help in any way.

Designers Rock