Sod Pods

Kitchen Planter

Project Length - 5 weeks

Design Goal

The goal of this project was to design a pot that allows users to add plants to their kitchen without taking up valuable counter space. Hanging on the fridge offers a clutter-free way to bring life into the kitchen environment.

Learning Outcomes

This project taught me how to design for small spaces, learning compound molding techniques with reusable molds to minimize waste. It helped me advance my environmentally friendly design approach by creating a long-lasting, recyclable product that brings greenery into the kitchen without adding clutter.

Process

Design Research

Overview

  • Approximately 43% of people reported that their kitchens and cooking routines contribute to their stress levels​.

  • The average American spends over 60 minutes a day in the kitchen.

  • The main cause of stress in the kitchen is a cluttered cooking environment.

  • This has mental health effects, including feeling lost, and leads to unhealthy food choices. 

Goal

  • I aim to de-clutter the kitchen and users’ minds

  • By lifting plants off the counter and onto the fridge, users free up counter space

  • Users will still be able to receive mental health benefits from plants.

  • Less anxiety and improved cognitive ability.  

Ideation

Prototyping

- 3D Printed and Rendering

Reusable Mold Prototyping

Proof of Concept

  • Moldable cement pod

  •  Reusable printed molds

  • Easy de-molding process

Compound Mold

  • Overhanging geometry, which

  • Did not allow for de-molding.

Problems

  • Design compound molds

  • Pull the center core out

  • Then the rest of the mold 

Solution

Packaging Design

1

Customer sees product in package

2

Opens package from tab - Lifts tuck flaps.

3

Pulls down front panel revealing product

4

Pulls product out and grabs off of stand.

Key Components

Self Locking

This box features a self-locking design that enhances the unboxing experience. By undoing the tab, users can access the product without needing to tear the packaging.

Cone Stand

The cardboard cone stand elevates the Sod Pod, allowing the user to view the entire product through the PET plastic shield. This design creates a gap at the bottom of the packaging, providing space for graphics to be prominently displayed on the front.

Final Looks