AFYA

Self-sufficiency through innovative agriculture.

TEAM

Oliver Frohlich, Claire Webb, Celia Stewart, Elizabeth Hennessey in collaboration with the University of Sydney Nanoscience Hub.

TIMELINE

12 Weeks

ROLES

UX Design, Product Design, User Research

TOOLS

Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, 3DS Max, Rhino, After Effects

METHODS

Sketching, prototyping, observational research, interviews, surveys, personas, storyboarding, think-aloud, paper prototyping, brainwriting, bodystoming, direct-experience storyboarding, product development matrix.

Overview

Afya is a humanitarian greenhouse solution that utilises water harvesting and hydroponic technology to support rural African communities in establishing their own food and water sources. The aim is to improve health, whilst also offering entrepreneurial and business opportunities to disadvantaged communities.

Design Brief

ACWA (Advanced Capture of Water from the Atmosphere) utilises nanotechnology, in the manipulation of microchemical patterns, to capture water passively from the atmosphere. ACWA aims to provide an atmospheric water capturing method to alleviate the effects of droughts. It’s a cost-effective, abundant and a reliable water source, requiring no energy input, which makes it truly unique against alternatives in today’s market space.

Our vision was to successfully apply ACWA’s nanoscience technology to provide an innovative and feasible solution, improving the quality of life, irrespective of seasonal change.

Education

We educate your community about sustainability, agriculture and how to use Afya as a means to self-sufficiency.

Hydroponics

The hydroponics system yields overall healthier and substantially more produce, without the use of soil, as well as being unaffected by seasonal droughts.

Nutrient Pods

Our subscription-based nutrient pods are supplied regularly, corresponding to differing stages of crop growth.

Clean Water

Afya’s innovative
water capturing technology provides an endless supply of water for you, your family and the hydroponics system.

Source of Income

The Afya greenhouse provides you with the opportunity to buy and sell goods to generate a sustainable income.

Creative Egagement

Integrate Afya with your local community by painting or carving the exterior of the greenhouse.

Easy Assembly

Afya is constructed out of interlocking panels and framing making it easy to transport and assemble.