2lock Vermicomposting Cart
SOLO PROJECT - Senior Year Thesis
MEDIUM: Stainless steel sheets, rods and pipes
Year Created: 2019
Category: Product Design
For my senior thesis, I knew I wanted to do something related to agriculture since I found it ironic how the Philippines is an agricultural country and yet it is the most overlooked industry. I knew I wanted to contribute in my own little way. Having had done my research, I realized that one sector under agriculture that is currently gaining traction locally and even abroad is Vermiculture.
Vermiculture is the process of propagating worms and creating a suitable environment for them to thrive in. Worms, specifically African Night Crawlers, are often called wonder laborers since they only require for their basic needs to be met to function 24/7 and yet provide so many benefits. Some examples would be when waste passes through a worm, it gets detoxified while also making it rich in potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium when it comes out as worm manure which is essential for healthy plant growth.
Product Environment --- In majority of the farms I was able to visit in Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna while researching, I noticed a recurring problem. There is a high demand of vermicasts, the output of vermicomposting, and yet these farmers are unable to produce an equal amount of supply each time. This is due to their time consuming process of carrying a manure filled pale across their farms. This system is also unhygienic since it doesn’t protect the farmers from the feeds they handle daily and causes body pains since their tools are not ergonomic.
Final Design --- Having mentioned the top 3 problems observed, I knew I needed to come up with a product that would make mixing, transporting and dispensing of the feeds streamlined and clean. With the 2LOCK Vermicomposting cart, tasks that would usually take the farmers a whole day to accomplish, can be done in just 1-2 hours since they can bring the cart directly from where they get their manure feeds. This will reduce their body pains as well since there is no need to carry their equipment from one area of the farm to another. As they push the cart, the feeds are getting mixed inside to save on time and effort. Using a detachable dispensing tube, the feeds will automatically fall on the vermibeds (where the worms are placed) without touching the manure at all times making the process faster, more reliable and hygienic.
Components
Other Color Options
Task Analysis
Prototypes ---- I was able to make 2 prototypes: an actual size one out of cardboard with detachable dispensing tube and an aesthetic smaller version which showed the actual colors for the different materials on the product.
Product Testing --- The actual size prototype was then tested out in my sample community by two actual vermicomposting farmers namely Kuya Michael and Ate Alma. They were also part of the sampling group I interviewed before the conceptualization for the design began. They both thought the product would make their job easier and would want one for their farms if they are able to get a grant from a government agency I have interviewed as well which provides free equipment and training to selected farmers throughout the Philippines.
Logo and Name --- The name “2LOCK” came from “tulak” which means “push” in Filipino since you only need to push the vermicart to achieve the 3 main functions which is to mix, transport and dispense. To ensure that the product is well marketed, a well planned logo, name and marketing collaterals were necessary. The logo is a 3d rendered leaf with the shadow of a worm eating it. For the online presence of the brand, the 2lock Vermicart will have a website and a Facebook page where the buyers could send in their questions, suggestions, look up event details concerning vermiculture and order their very own 2lock vermicart.
Thesis Exhibit --- Part of our senior year thesis journey was to plan and execute an exhibit of our thesis projects. Our batch had our exhibit at the 1st floor atrium of S’maison Manila, a major mall in the Philippines where there is moderate to heavy foot traffic each day. I was also able to lead the sponsorship committee that raised 100,000+ PHP worth of deals from several big companies like Burlington and Manila Bulletin for the funding of our exhibit.
